American hazel

American Hazel (Corylus americana) is a species of hazel native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 2.5 to 5 meters. The American Hazel is known for its edible nuts, which are harvested and consumed both by humans and wildlife.

Description

The American Hazel has a rounded form with multiple stems. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a double-serrate margin. The flowers are produced very early in spring before the leaves, and are monoecious, with single-sex wind-pollinated catkins. The fruit is a nut, produced in clusters of one to five together; each nut is enclosed in a husk with a leafy involucre.

Distribution and Habitat

The American Hazel is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Maine west to South Dakota, and south to Arkansas and Georgia. It is typically found in woodlands, pastures, and along roadsides.

Cultivation and Uses

The American Hazel is cultivated for its nuts, which are harvested in the fall. The nuts are sweet and edible, and are used in baking and for making a type of oil. The shrub is also used in landscaping for its attractive form and foliage.

Conservation

The American Hazel is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all native species, it is affected by habitat loss and changes in land use.

See Also

• Hazel
• Corylus
• Deciduous
• Monoecious
• Catkin