Beaked Hazel
Corylus cornuta
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Pl. 49E8 — Corylus cornuta
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IOverview
Overview
Beaked Hazel (Corylus cornuta) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and western United States as well as parts of Canada. Known for its distinctive catkin-like male flowers and edible seeds, this plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with partial sun to full sun exposure. Hardy from zones 4-7, it can grow up to 3 meters tall. Native populations are found in Alabama, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, and other states within its range. Beaked Hazel is valued for its edible seeds, making it a useful addition to landscapes or food forests where its light requirements and soil preferences can be met.
Quick answers
What is Beaked Hazel?
Beaked Hazel (Corylus cornuta) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and western United States as well as parts of Canada. Known for its distinctive catkin-like male flowers and edible seeds, this plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with partial sun to full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beaked Hazel thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-7 and reaches a height of about 3 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist as this plant prefers a wetter environment. Propagation can be done through seeds. This adaptable tree is native to several northeastern and northwestern states and provinces, making it suitable for temperate regions with similar climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Mature size
3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Beaked Hazel for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Beaked Hazel to experience growing nuts from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is workable or in late summer for transplants.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start seedlings indoors about 8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial sun to full sun exposure. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest nuts when they turn brown and fall from the tree.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough space for root growth, and pruning at the wrong time.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialDyeoil
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, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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