If you want a tough, wildlife-friendly native with edible nuts, American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a great fit. This multi-stem shrub forms a dense clump and produces dangling catkins in late winter to early spring, followed by clusters of small hazelnuts that ripen in late summer to fall. Foliage turns yellow, orange, and often red tones as the season ends.

Grow it in full sun for the best nut production, but it will also tolerate part shade and even deep shade. Choose well-drained soil with average moisture, though established plants handle occasional dryness. In natural settings you will often find it along woodland edges, thickets, fencerows, and open woods, and you can use those conditions as your guide in the landscape.

At maturity, expect roughly 10-16 feet of height (about 120-192 inches) and a broad footprint, especially as it suckers and thickens over time. Give it room, or plan to thin stems periodically to keep it more hedge-like. Prune any time as needed, removing older stems and unwanted suckers to improve airflow and maintain a tidy outline.

For reliable crops, plant more than one shrub so cross-pollination can occur. The nuts are sweet and edible, and they are also a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. Use Corylus americana as a naturalized screen, informal hedge, or border where you can enjoy its seasonal flowers, nuts, and fall color.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-9 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun   Shade
• Mature height: 120-192"
• Spread: 96-156"
• Tolerant of: Drought
• Attracts: Birds
• Edible: Yes
• Native to the U.S.: Yes

Shipping

FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know hpw to control exactly when your order will be shipped.

Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
- Changing Your Shipping Date
- Accepting Delivery
- Unpacking Your Order
- Returns

Care