Corylus avellana (European Hazelnut)

Corylus avellana (European Hazelnut) is a large, spreading deciduous shrub or small tree of upright habit with a rounded head. The foliage of rounded, doubly serrate, medium green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), turns yellow in fall. In late winter and early spring, long, pendant, pale yellow male catkins dangle like Christmas decorations along the bare branches. The catkins release clouds of pollen that attract bees and other insects. Inconspicuous female flowers in the form of tiny red tassels bloom just above the male catkins. They are followed by terminal clusters of edible brown nuts enclosed in leafy, hairy, green husks. They ripen in late summer and early fall. Squirrels and field mice feast on them. Corylus avellana is grown commercially for its nuts. It has been coppiced to produce flexible lengths for woven fencing or baskets. This thicket-forming, multi-trunked, suckering shrub or tree is effective in naturalistic areas, group plantings, shrub borders, or woodland margins.

• Grows up to 12-20 ft. high (3-6 m) and 12-15 ft. wide (3-5 m). Prompt removal of root suckers will help maintain plant appearance and prevent thicket formation.
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Avoid heavy clays.
• Great choice for hedges or screens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, or prairies and meadows.
• Prune in late winter or early spring before the leaves appear on the stems.
• Propagate by seed or layer.
• Generally disease-free. Watch for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, and sawflies.
• Check where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa