California Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica) | Native Edible Nut Shrub

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California Hazelnut

Corylus cornuta var. californica

A native Western hazelnut with edible nuts, early spring catkins, brilliant yellow fall color, and exceptional wildlife value.

$169.00

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Description

Corylus cornuta var. californica, commonly known as California Hazelnut or Western Beaked Hazel, is a native deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its edible nuts, early spring catkins, and outstanding wildlife value. This western variety differs from the eastern beaked hazelnut in its larger habit, broader leaves with glandular hairs, and shorter husk beak . It typically grows as a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree, reaching up to 15-25 feet tall, and is one of the first native shrubs to bloom in spring, with pendulous yellow catkins appearing on bare branches . The nuts are a valuable food source for wildlife, and the plant is an excellent choice for native plant gardens, hedgerows, and woodland restoration projects.

Quick Facts

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Light: Full sun to full shade (prefers filtered shade) .

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Foliage & Flowers: Nearly round to broadly elliptic, coarsely toothed, velvety-hairy leaves turning bright yellow in fall; yellow-brown pendulous male catkins (2-6 cm) in early spring, female flowers with bright red stigmas.
Fruit: Acorn-like nut (1.5-2 cm) enclosed in a leafy, tubular husk with a short beak (less than twice the nut length) .
Mature Height: 15-25 ft (can reach up to 50 ft in ideal conditions) .
Mature Spread: 10-20 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9 (hardy to 0°F) .
Core Benefits: Edible nuts, early spring catkins, bright yellow fall color, excellent wildlife habitat (cover and food), resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight .

Faqs

Q: Is California Hazelnut the same as the Eastern Beaked Hazelnut?
A: No, they are different varieties. Corylus cornuta var. californicais the western variety, distinguished by its larger, tree-like habit, broader leaves with glandular hairs, and a shorter husk beak(less than twice the nut length), compared to the eastern variety (var. cornuta), which is typically a smaller shrub with a longer beak .

Q: How do I grow California Hazelnut?
A: It performs best in moist but well-drained, loamy, acidic soilswith plenty of organic matter. It tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade, but prefers filtered shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment .

Q: Does it produce edible nuts?
A: Yes, it produces hard-shelled, acorn-like nuts (½–¾ inch) that are edible and were traditionally harvested by Native American tribes. The nuts are also a valuable food source for squirrels, jays, grouse, and other wildlife .

Q: Is it resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight?
A: Yes, California Hazelnut is noted for its resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), a serious disease affecting commercial hazelnut production. However, check local regulations, as some states have restrictions on importing Corylus species .

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