UAA Environmental Message - September 2025

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

By Lindsey Wall
American Hazelnut A Nutritious Treat for All Creatures Environmental Message September 2025 Did you know? American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a native shrub that produces the same delicious nuts found in commercial hazelnut products, but on a smaller scale. This fast-growing, adaptable plant is a pioneer species, meaning it’s often one of the first plants to colonize disturbed areas, helping to stabilize soil and prepare the way for other vegetation. Human and Wildlife Uses. The nuts of American hazelnut are a valuable food source for a wide range of wildlife, including squirrels, turkeys, woodpeckers, and even larger mammals like deer and black bears. The shrub’s dense thickets also provide excellent cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. For humans, the nuts can be roasted and eaten or used in baking and cooking. Indigenous peoples used hazelnuts as a food source and utilized the flexible stems for crafting baskets and other tools. Border Zone Compatible. American hazelnut grows to a manageable height of 6–12 feet, making it suitable for the border zone of electric utility rights-of-way (ROW) where taller woody species would pose a risk to infrastructure. It thrives in a variety of soils and spreads through underground rhizomes, creating dense colonies that provide excellent wildlife habitat and erosion control. However, its thicket-forming habit may require management to maintain accessibility, as it can obstruct pathways, utility access, and sightlines.
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