American Hazelnut, American Filbert
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Fagales; Family: Betulaceae; Genus: Corylus; Species: Corylus americana · Betulaceae (Birch family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Corylus americana
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Betulaceae (Birch family)
Shape
Broadly ovate to orbicular with a pointed apex (acuminate) and a heart-shaped (cordate) or rounded base
Size
Approximately 3-4 inches long and 2-3 inches wide; typical species range is 2.5-6 inches long.
Margin
Doubly serrate (teeth on teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common in its native range
Color & Pattern
Dark green upper surface, paler yellowish-green underside; turns yellow to wine-red in autumn. This specimen shows a consistent healthy forest green without variegation.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with prominent, straight secondary veins extending to the margins
Texture & Surface
Slightly rough/scabrous on top, pubescent (fuzzy/hairy) on the underside and along the petiole
Description
A multi-stemmed deciduous shrub growing 8-15 feet tall. It forms a dense, rounded thicket and is known for its greyish-brown bark and edible nuts encased in green bracts. In late winter, it produces decorative pendulous male catkins.
Key Features
Doubly serrate margins, zig-zagging twigs, glandular-hairy stems, and nuts wrapped in two leaf-like, ragged-edged bracts.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, thickets, woodland edges, and prairies; prefers well-drained loams and partial sun to full sun.
Geographic Range
Native to Eastern and Central North America, ranging from Quebec to Georgia and west to Oklahoma and Saskatchewan.
Condition Notes
Good; the leaf shows minimal insect damage and vibrant chlorophyll levels, though it appears recently detached or 'freshly plucked.'
Interesting Facts
The nuts are a favorite of squirrels, turkeys, and woodpeckers. The inner bark was traditionally used by Native Americans as a dermatological aid and to induce vomiting.
Medicinal & Uses
Edible nuts can be eaten raw or roasted; commercially valuable for landscaping as a windbreak; wood is used for baskets and small tools.
Ecological Role
Provides critical nesting cover for birds and serves as a high-protein food source for diverse mammals; host plant for several moth species.
Similar Species
Corylus cornuta (Beaked Hazelnut) – distinguished by a long 'beak' on the nut; Ostrya virginiana (Hophornbeam) – has narrower leaves and unique 'hop-like' fruit.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive clusters of nuts in late summer. Use the presence of catkins in winter to identify the shrub before leaves emerge.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; the nuts are edible for humans and animals (though ensure no personal nut allergies).