American Hazelnut
Corylus americana · Betulaceae (Birch family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Ovate to broadly oval with an acuminate (pointed) tip and a cordate (heart-shaped) or rounded base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth along the edges)
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement on the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and very straight, parallel lateral veins extending into the teeth
Description
The American Hazelnut is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub typically growing 3 to 8 feet tall. The leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, rose, and orange in the autumn before dropping.
Habitat
Found in thickets, forest edges, open woods, and along roadsides and fence rows. Prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Saskatchewan east to Maine, and south to Georgia and Oklahoma.