This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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American Hazelnut
Corylus americana
ShrubAmerican Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Medium – Dry
Soil
Loam, Sandy
Size
8-12'
Bloom
Red & Yellow, Feb–Mar
Why Grow It
Wildlife Food
Berries & seeds feed birds and wildlife
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Erosion Control
Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks
Did You Know?
Produces delicious edible hazelnuts — race the squirrels to harvest them in September!
Tiny ruby-red female flowers in late winter are one of the first signs of spring.
Dense, suckering habit makes it a natural privacy hedge and windbreak.
Wildlife Value
🐿️
Squirrel & Bird Food
Nuts are cached by squirrels and eaten by jays, grouse, and woodpeckers
🪱
Moth Host
Host plant for several moth species including the Polyphemus moth
Good Companions
🌸 Witch Hazel
🌿 Spicebush
⭐ Wild Geranium
Planting Guide
- Plant in sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil
- Space 6–8″ apart; plant two or more for nut production (cross-pollination needed)
- Prune suckers to control spread or allow thicketing for wildlife habitat
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li