American Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Last reviewed: July 2026
American Hazelnut is a native deciduous shrub found across eastern and central North America, blooming March through May with yellow catkins that attract bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Hazelnut as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 60"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American hazelnut is a native shrub that produces edible nuts in fall and displays attractive yellow autumn foliage. It forms a rounded, multi-stemmed growth habit and blooms with dangling catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge.
Growing American Hazelnut
Grow American Hazelnut in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Hazelnut is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller spaces
- Can sucker and spread if not managed
Wildlife value
Host plant for henry's elfin, green comma, banded hairstreak.
The early spring catkins provide crucial pollen for native bees and beetles when few other food sources are available. The nuts feed squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does American Hazelnut bloom?
- American Hazelnut blooms from March through May, producing distinctive yellow catkins before the leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit American Hazelnut?
- American Hazelnut attracts bees and beetles, which are important pollinators for this wind-pollinated shrub.
- Where is American Hazelnut native?
- American Hazelnut is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to North Dakota and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does American Hazelnut prefer?
- American Hazelnut tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is American Hazelnut toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Hazelnut as toxic to livestock.
- Is American Hazelnut HOA-friendly?
- American Hazelnut is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Hazelnut? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz