Description:
– American hazelnut grows to a height of 2.5 to 5m with a crown spread of 3 to 4.5m.
– It can take the form of a small tree and spreads by sending up suckers from underground rhizomes.
– Blooms in early to mid-spring with hanging male catkins and clusters of tiny female flowers.
– Male catkins develop in fall and remain over winter with each flower having bracts and stamens.
– Produces edible nuts maturing between July and October enclosed in leaf-like bracts.
Ecology:
– Nuts are a food source for squirrels, deer, foxes, and various bird species.
– Leaves are browsed on by deer, moose, and rabbits.
– Male catkins are a staple food for some bird species during winter.
– The shrubs provide habitat for many animal species.
– American hazelnut contributes to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.
Uses:
– Nuts are edible raw, albeit smaller than cultivated filberts.
– Native Americans historically used American hazelnut for various medicinal purposes.
– The plant has both culinary and medicinal applications.
– It is valued for its nutritional and health benefits.
– American hazelnut has cultural significance and historical uses.
Cultivation:
– American hazelnut is cultivated for native plant and wildlife gardens.
– Hybrids with Corylus avellana aim to combine larger nuts with resistance to a North American fungus.
– It is a medium to fast-growing species that adapts well to various soil types.
– Prefers full sun for optimal growth and development.
– Plant density and fruit production are reduced in partial shade conditions.
References:
– The IUCN Red List provides information on the conservation status of Corylus americana.
– NatureServe Explorer offers insights into the species.
– Various botanical resources contain detailed information on American hazelnut.
– The plant is part of the North American Plant Atlas.
– Educational resources and field guides provide valuable information on American hazelnut.