Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)

The Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) is a resilient, native shrub that produces delicious nuts prized for their rich, buttery flavor!

Found across much of North America, it’s not only a valuable source of food for people but also a favorite of wildlife, making it a great addition to naturalistic landscapes and wildlife gardens. Its unique, elongated husks give the nut its “beaked” appearance, and the shrub itself is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for creating natural borders or wildlife-friendly hedges.

Our Beaked Hazelnuts are selected for healthy growth and excellent nut production with minimal inputs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Corylus cornuta
• Size & Shape: Grows up to 10-20 feet in height with a spread of 6-15 feet; multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded form.
• Fruit Type: Small, sweet nuts encased in beaked husks, ripening in late summer to early fall.
• Flowering: Produces small, yellow catkins in early spring before leaves emerge.
• Wildlife Benefits: The nuts provide a food source for squirrels, deer, and a variety of birds; dense growth offers habitat and shelter for small animals.

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Requirement: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Water Requirement: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established.
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-8.
• Soil Preference: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.