American Hazel
Corylus americana
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Pl. 7A11 — Corylus americana
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IOverview
Overview
American Hazel (Corylus americana) is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. Known for its light requirement of full sun to partial shade and moisture preference, this plant thrives in various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Hardy in zones 4-8, American Hazel can grow up to 3 meters tall. It is valued for its edible parts, specifically the seeds, which are a valuable food source. This shrub also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its distinctive appearance and ecological benefits.
Quick answers
What is American Hazel?
American Hazel (Corylus americana) is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. Known for its light requirement of full sun to partial shade and moisture preference, this plant thrives in various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
American Hazel thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 3 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the recommended method. Ensure the planting site has adequate moisture and well-draining conditions for best results.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow American Hazel for the first time
8steps
Start with American Hazel as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in fall or start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings in spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when dry, and mulch around the base.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Hedgerowoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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