American Hazelnut

Basic Information

Common Name: American Hazelnut

Scientific Name: Corylus americana

Native Habitat: Eastern North America

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a native shrub of eastern North America, playing a significant role in the ecosystem and, historically, in the lives of Indigenous peoples and early settlers. Its discovery and subsequent cultivation are interwoven with the history of the continent itself.

Unlike many cultivated crops with a clear single point of origin or specific cultivator, the American hazelnut’s story is more diffuse. It wasn’t “discovered” in the traditional sense, as Indigenous communities across its range were well aware of its existence and utilized it extensively for centuries before European contact. They consumed the nuts as a valuable food source, often roasting them to improve their flavor and digestibility. The hazelnut shells also found use in various crafts and traditional practices.

The arrival of European settlers brought a new perspective. While they recognized the nut’s potential as a food source, formal cultivation and breeding efforts were slow to develop. The European hazelnut (Corylus avellana) was already a well-established crop, and initially, efforts were focused on its cultivation in North America. However, the European hazelnut proved susceptible to eastern filbert blight, a fungal disease to which the American hazelnut exhibits greater resistance.

The realization that the American hazelnut possessed valuable traits, particularly its disease resistance and adaptability to the North American climate, gradually led to increased interest in its cultivation. Early breeders and agricultural researchers began to explore the potential of selecting and crossing superior American hazelnut varieties to create improved cultivars. These efforts were, and continue to be, largely focused on combining the desirable characteristics of the American hazelnut (disease resistance, cold hardiness) with the larger nut size and productivity of the European hazelnut.

Notable figures in the cultivation of the American hazelnut are harder to pinpoint compared to other crops. Instead, the progress has been driven by smaller groups of plant breeders and researchers in institutions like universities and agricultural experiment stations, as well as dedicated hobbyists. Their work focuses on developing blight-resistant hybrids with improved nut quality and yield. Organizations like the Hazelnut Foundation have also contributed significantly to the research and promotion of hazelnut cultivation, including the American hazelnut and its hybrids.

The geographical origins of the American hazelnut are firmly rooted in eastern North America, spanning a wide range from southern Canada to Georgia and west to Oklahoma. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and along roadsides. This widespread distribution reflects its adaptability and resilience, characteristics that make it a valuable species for both ecological restoration and agricultural development. While not initially “cultivated” in the traditional sense, the plant was managed and encouraged by indigenous groups through various methods, including controlled burns. Modern cultivation is focused on developing varieties that are not only disease resistant, but also more productive and easier to harvest, ensuring the future of this valuable North American native.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

The American hazelnut boasts several key adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native environment. Its ability to sucker readily allows it to form dense thickets, providing habitat for wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion. It is also very cold hardy, able to withstand harsh winters in its northern range. The nuts themselves are encased in a protective husk, shielding them from pests and weather. The plant’s tolerance of partial shade also allows it to compete effectively in wooded areas. Its adaptability to different soil types contributes to its wide distribution.

Propagation Methods

The American hazelnut can be propagated through several methods:

• Seed: Seed propagation is possible, but requires stratification (a period of cold, moist storage) to break dormancy.
• Suckers: The easiest method is by transplanting suckers that arise from the base of the plant.
• Layering: Branches can be layered by bending them to the ground and covering a portion of the stem with soil until roots form.
• Root Cuttings: Root cuttings can be taken in late winter or early spring and planted in a well-draining medium.

Toxicology

The American hazelnut is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion of the nuts is not expected to cause any significant adverse effects. However, it’s important to note that some individuals may be allergic to hazelnuts. Allergic reactions can range from mild oral irritation to more severe systemic symptoms. If an allergic reaction is suspected, seek medical attention.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Aphids
• Hazelnut Weevil
• Japanese Beetles

Diseases:

• Eastern Filbert Blight (less susceptible than European Hazelnut)
• Powdery Mildew
• Anthracnose

Other:

• Nut drop: Can be caused by incomplete pollination or environmental stress.
• Poor nut fill: Can be due to insufficient water or nutrients.
• Animal Damage: Squirrels and other rodents can eat the nuts.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

While the American hazelnut is not considered globally rare, specific cultivars or improved varieties with desirable traits can be less common. These improved cultivars are often developed for disease resistance, larger nut size, or increased productivity. The species’ importance lies in its genes as it becomes used in blight resistant hazelnut breeding programs.

Value:

The value of American hazelnut plants or nuts depends on several factors. Seedlings of native varieties are typically less expensive. Improved cultivars with known disease resistance and productivity command higher prices. The size and maturity of the plant also contribute to its value. Nut prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, and are generally cheaper than European hazelnuts due to the smaller kernel size.