How to Grow and Care for Hazels

Common hazel (Corylus avellana) is a deciduous shrub species that is cultivated for its edible nuts. Hazelnuts can refer to the nut from any Corylus species, but it most often refers to Corylus avellana. The nuts from common hazel are eaten straight or used in making confectionary. Common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia.

Beaked hazelnut is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is an incredibly cold-hardy shrub and able to withstand freezing temperatures in its northernmost habitat. The fruit of the beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) is edible although very small.

A deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia, turkish hazel, or Corylus colurna, is the largest species of hazel tree. It is often used in landscaping and is tolerant of pollution in urban areas.

American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 2.5 to 5 m tall. Commonly found growing in thickets woodlands and prairies. It prefers full sun to partial shade. Showy large male and small female catkin flowers bloom in spring. American hazelnut produces edible nuts that attract birds.

Filbert is remarkable for its flowers which look like cat-like tails and blooms in spring. Its Latin name Corylus maxima derives from Greek "korylus," which means "helmet," in reference to the appearance of this plant's nuts. These nuts are edible and are also known to attract squirrels.