From the Greek korylos and the Latin corylus or corulus, “hazel, “ and a Latin name for the hazelnut or filbert. OR from the Greek korylos, or korys, “helmet,” referring to the husk on the nut
American hazelnut is native to eastern North America.
Identification: Typically a large multiply branched shrub
almost spherical in shape and 8-12′ (2.4-3.7 m) high, this
hazel sometimes takes the form of a small tree. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, with double
serrations, 2½-5″ (6.3-12 cm) long. They are dark green, turning bright yellow to copper-colored in the fall.
Hazelnuts are dioecious: male and female flowers appear on separate plants.
Male flowers are yellow-brown catkins up to 8″ (20 cm) long and ⅛″ (5 mm) around. Female flowers are red, occurring on the tips of twigs, and only about ¼″ (6.3 mm) around. Nuts are in small groups of 1 to 4, each about ½″ (1.3 cm) around and
individually wrapped in a ragged "sack" or husk.
Edibility: Hazelnuts from this species are edible. They are not as large
as those from cultivated varieties, but they are just as tasty. The thick shells contain a small, sweet kernel,
which may be eaten fresh, roasted, or pressed for an edible oil.