Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus Cornuta)

Description

Sorry, we can not ship to CA, OR, WA, or Canada.

Latin: Corylus cornuta

Other Common Names: Beaked filbert, beaked hazelnut, filbert

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Mature Height: Typically, multi-stemmed and more shrub-like than tree-like, reaching a height and width of 4-8 ft (1-2 m) (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Soil / Climate: Thrives in rich, well-drained soil, preferably acidic, under full sun to part shade conditions. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils well and may be susceptible to damage from cold winters, especially early spring frosts affecting flower buds (Missouri Botanical Garden). Beaked hazelnut is found farther north into Canada.

Notes: Root suckers emerge and should be managed to control the spread of the tree. In spring, inconspicuous flowers appear: long, drooping pale yellow male catkins and short, red sigma female flowers. Female flowers develop into edible nuts, which are hard, approximately 0.5 in (1 cm) long, with a light green, leafy husk covered in hairs. The husk extends about 1 in (2.5 cm) beyond the nut, resembling a beak, from which the tree derives its name. Nuts mature from late summer to early fall. Leaves are ovate, bright green, 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long, with double-toothed edges and sometimes hairy at the base. In autumn, the leaves turn various shades of yellow (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark starts smooth and grayish-brown, becoming more textured as the tree matures (Virginia Tech). The nuts, though smaller than dime-sized European hazelnut varieties, are very flavorful and can be roasted or cooked, though they are often consumed by squirrels before humans can enjoy them (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Problems: Generally, not prone to major issues, but susceptible to crown gall, leaf spots, and black knot, with slight vulnerability to scale insects. It shows good resistance to filbert blight (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Wildlife: Provides excellent browse and shelter for deer and other wildlife. Deer, small mammals, and birds benefit from its spring growth and protein-rich autumn nuts. Planting it on the edge of a yard can attract deer.

Cold Stream Farm supplies Beaked Hazelnut trees which are grown as bare root seedlings and transplants and sold both wholesale and retail with no minimum order.