937-1 Hazelnut-American (Packed In Units of 25 Seedlings)

American Hazelnut: (Corylus americana) is a multi-stemmed, native shrub that typically grows to heights of 6 to 15 feet. This hardy plant produces edible nuts that are smaller and sometimes more bitter than those of European varieties. It thrives in various soil and light conditions, making it exceptionally adaptable, and it is resistant to many diseases. The American hazelnut also provides food and shelter for wildlife, making it an excellent choice for informal hedges, screens, or naturalized landscapes. Its attractive fall foliage further enhances its appeal. In terms of characteristics, the American hazelnut features dark green, oval to elliptical leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long, transforming into beautiful shades of yellow-red, purple, or orange in the fall. The bark of young branches is smooth and gray, while it becomes rougher with age. Additionally, aromatic catkins emerge in late winter, and the shrub produces small, round nuts with hard shells. These nuts are enclosed in ruffled, hairy husks that mature into an orangish-brown color by late summer or early fall. When considering growing conditions, the American hazelnut prefers full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, requiring medium water use; newly planted shrubs need watering every few days, while established shrubs are more drought-tolerant. Although the plant is monoecious, featuring both male and female flowers, it is self-incompatible, necessitating the presence of more than one shrub to enhance fruit set. The American hazelnut offers numerous uses and benefits. It serves as a valuable food source and cover for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. In landscaping, it makes an excellent choice for informal hedges, screens, or borders in native and naturalized gardens, as its root system helps control erosion. Furthermore, the shrub is generally resistant to serious pests and diseases, reinforcing its appeal as a hardy option. In terms of nut production, the taste of American hazelnuts tends to be smaller, harder, and often slightly more bitter compared to European varieties. However, they can be sweet and mild when harvested from the wild. Harvesting can be challenging, as the nuts are often taken by wildlife and are harder to extract from their husks than larger, commercially cultivated varieties. They can be enjoyed fresh or roasted, adding to their versatility in culinary uses.