When does Beaked Filbert bloom?

Corylus cornuta blooms in March and April, producing small flowers before the leaves emerge.

What pollinators visit Beaked Filbert?

Beaked Filbert attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate its early spring flowers.

Where is Corylus cornuta native?

Beaked Filbert is native to 34 U.S. states, ranging from Maine to California and from Washington to Georgia, making it one of the most widely distributed native hazelnuts.

What growing conditions does Beaked Filbert prefer?

This adaptable shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.

Is Beaked Filbert toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Beaked Filbert as toxic to livestock.

Is Beaked Filbert HOA-friendly?

Beaked Filbert is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Beaked Filbert

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Corylus cornuta

Last reviewed: July 2026

Corylus cornuta (Beaked Filbert) is a native North American shrub that blooms in March and April across 34 states from coast to coast. This deciduous hazelnut relative attracts bees and beetles while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.

Beaked Filbert (Corylus cornuta) — Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Lynn Harper

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Beaked Filbert as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley

Beaked filbert is a native shrub that produces edible hazelnuts and attractive catkins in early spring. It forms a rounded, multi-stemmed bush with heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall. This hardy shrub is deer resistant and adapts well to various soil conditions.

Growing Beaked Filbert

Grow Beaked Filbert in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beaked Filbert is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Can spread by suckers if not managed
Large mature size may overwhelm smaller spaces

Wildlife value

Early spring catkins provide crucial pollen for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The nuts feed squirrels, chipmunks, and birds including woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Common questions

When does Beaked Filbert bloom?: Corylus cornuta blooms in March and April, producing small flowers before the leaves emerge.
What pollinators visit Beaked Filbert?: Beaked Filbert attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate its early spring flowers.
Where is Corylus cornuta native?: Beaked Filbert is native to 34 U.S. states, ranging from Maine to California and from Washington to Georgia, making it one of the most widely distributed native hazelnuts.
What growing conditions does Beaked Filbert prefer?: This adaptable shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.
Is Beaked Filbert toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Beaked Filbert as toxic to livestock.
Is Beaked Filbert HOA-friendly?: Beaked Filbert 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 Beaked Filbert? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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