American Hazelnut Tree

American Hazelnut Tree Overview

The American Hazelnut tree is a fast growing hardy multi-stemmed shrub that is not only easy to grow, but also grows well and tolerates different soils conditions. In fact, while best to grow in moist and well drained soil under full sun, American Hazelnut is well known to tolerate droughts. Moreover, it is also a fast growing tree and can bear within two to three years. Another benefit is that it produces abundant crop every year!

American Hazelnut also goes by the names of American Filbert and American Hazel. The shrub is native to eastern and central United States and Canada.

American Hazelnut trees are medium to large sized multi-stemmed shrubs with a rounded top and wide-spreading base. Blooms early to mid spring by producing hanging male catkins and clusters of female flowers. Best to plant in multiples to ensure cross-pollination. The fruit matures between September and October, but can ripen as early as July. You can crack the nuts and eat fresh, enjoying the delicious nutty and earthy taste of hazelnuts!

For more information on how to grow fruit trees see the articles in our guide.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: eating fresh
• Taste: nutty flavor
• Size: ⁵⁄₈–1 inch long and ³⁄₈–⁵⁄₈ inches in diameter
• Color: light brown
• Height and width: 8 to 10 ft height, 4 to 6 feet width
• Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7
• Harvest period: September to October
• Diseases/Pests:
  • American hazelnut doesn’t serious damage by any pests.
  • Several canker-forming fungi can cause girdling or breakage of stems.
  • Mildew can defoliate plants and fungi can destroy the nuts.
  • Tends to attract wildlife that eats seeds such as squirrels, woodpeckers and jays.
• Pollination: Has female flowers and male catkins on the same plant. Best to plant in multiples (e.g. in two’s or three’s) to make sure you get cross-pollination.
• Cultivation: American hazelnut trees grow best in well drained, acidic, loamy, moist acidic and alkaline soils. They are also tolerant of different soil conditions and can tolerate drought. Best in full sun and partial shade. Fast growing and can bear from two to three years with heavu cropping each year.
• Storage: Keeps well in storage.
• Difficulty of planting/care: Easy, little to no care needed to maintain trees.