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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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) .
Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade (prefers filtered shade) .
Core Benefits: Edible nuts, early spring catkins, bright yellow fall color, excellent wildlife habitat (cover and food), resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight .

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 .