Theย hazelnutย tree, scientifically known asย Corylus, stands tall and proud, its branches laden with vibrant greenย leavesย that rustle in the wind, whispering secrets of the ages. This tree is renowned for itsย medium-sized stature, reaching up to 20 feet, creating an enchanting forest canopy. Theย leavesย are broad, heart-shaped, and exude a fresh, earthy aroma. In spring, it dons delicate catkins, showcasing nature’s artistry at its best. But the real treasures lie within its branches โ€“ย hazelnutsย encased in a hard shell, hiding the rich, buttery goodness within.

Hazelnutย trees, diverse in their traits, offer a fascinating array of types. The most common species includeย Corylus avellana,ย Corylus americana, andย Corylus colurna. Each species possesses unique characteristics, from the size of the nuts to the shape of theย leaves. Someย hazelnutย trees boast smooth, silvery bark, while others showcase a rugged, textured exterior reminiscent of ancient wisdom etched in wood. Nature has sculpted these trees with meticulous care, making eachย hazelnutย tree a testament to the wonders of evolution.

Hazelnutย trees find their roots in various corners of the world. They flourish in North America, Europe, and Asia, adorning landscapes with lush foliage and bountiful nuts. Historically,ย hazelnutsย have held significant cultural importance. In ancient Celtic traditions, these nuts symbolized wisdom and inspiration, while Greek mythology often linked them to divine knowledge. Native Americans reveredย hazelnutsย for their nutritional value, incorporating them into their diets and medicinal practices. These cultural echoes continue to resonate today, makingย hazelnutย trees not just botanical wonders but also carriers of cultural heritage.

Apart from their cultural significance,ย hazelnutย trees offer a plethora of practical uses. The nuts harvested from these trees serve as culinary delights, enriching dishes with their nuttyย flavor. From decadent desserts like chocolateย hazelnutย spread to wholesome salads adorned with roastedย hazelnuts, these versatile nuts add a delightful crunch to various recipes. Moreover,ย hazelnutsย are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. They not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body, making them a favorite among health-conscious individuals.

As a master gardener, I’ll share my extensive knowledge aboutย hazelnutย trees in this guide, covering their intriguing characteristics, types, native habitats, and practical applications. Get ready to explore the wonders of these remarkable trees and discover the secrets hidden within their branches.

Close-up view of a cluster of hazelnuts
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name:ย Corylus

Common Name:ย Hazelnutย Tree

Family:ย Betulaceae

Plant Type:ย Deciduous Tree

Hardiness Zones:ย 4-9 (USDA)

Sun Exposure:ย Full sunย toย partial shade.

Soil Type:ย Well-drained, loamy soil

Soil pH:ย 6.0-7.5 (Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil)

Maturity:ย 3-5 years

Height:ย 15-20 feet

Spacing:ย 10-15 feet apart

Bloom Time:ย Late winter to early spring

Flowers:ย Bothย male flowersย andย female flowersย appear on eachย shrub.

Flower Color:ย The catkins ofย hazelnutย trees are yellowish-green in color.

Native Area:ย Europe, Asia, and North America.

Hazelnutย Tree Plant Care

Caring forย hazelnutย trees involves a thoughtful balance of attention and understanding their specific needs. Proper care practices are essential to ensure optimal growth and a bountifulย harvestย ofย hazelnuts. Begin by selecting a suitable planting site with well-draining soil, preferably loamy and slightly acidic to alkaline. These deciduous trees thrive inย full sunย toย partial shade, so choose a location where they receive adequate sunlight throughout the day. When it comes to watering,ย hazelnutย trees require consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but they don’t tolerate waterlogged soil. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds.

Farm full of hazelnut trees
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Hazelnutย trees, belonging to the Betulaceae family, are hardy in zones 4 to 9. Regularย pruningย is necessary to maintain their shape and encourage air circulation within the branches, which aids in disease prevention.ย Pruneย during late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Pay attention to diseased or damaged branches, removing them to promote overall tree health. Fertilizeย hazelnutย trees annually with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for robust growth. As these trees mature, they offer beautiful yellowish-green catkins in late winter to early spring, adding ornamental value to your garden.

One critical aspect ofย hazelnutย tree care is pest and disease management. Keep an eye out for commonย hazelnutย pestsย like aphids and caterpillars. Natural predators like ladybugs can help keep aphid populations in check. Regularly inspecting theย leavesย and nuts lets you detect any signs of disease early, ensuring timely treatment. By following these, you’ll nurture healthyย hazelnutย trees that reward you with a delightfulย harvestย ofย abundant cropsย and delicious and nutritious nuts each year.

Light

Light is a fundamental factor influencing the health and growth ofย hazelnutย trees. These trees thrive in locations withย full sunย toย partial shade, making them adaptable to various landscapes. When plantingย hazelnutย trees, choosing a spot where they can receive ample sunlight is crucial.ย Full sunย exposure ensures vigorous growth and abundantย nut production.

However,ย hazelnutย trees can tolerateย partial shade, especially in regions with intense sunlight. If your garden has areas with filtered sunlight,ย hazelnutย trees can still flourish, although their growth might be slightly slower. Adequate light promotes robust foliage and encourages the development of healthyย hazelnuts, making it essential to consider when cultivating these remarkable trees.

Rows of hazelnut trees under full sun light
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Soil

One of the fundamental aspects ofย hazelnutย tree care revolves around understanding and meeting their specific soil requirements.ย Hazelnutย trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a balanced moisture retention and drainage mix. It’s essential to ensure the soil is neither too compacted nor waterlogged, as these conditions can hamper the tree’s growth.

Also,ย hazelnutย trees prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Testing the soil’s pH level and amending it if necessary can significantly impact the tree’s overall health and productivity. Providing the right soil conditions creates a solid foundation for yourย hazelnutย tree, enabling it to flourish and bear the bountifulย harvestย of nutritious nuts.

Hazelnut trees planted in a well-drained soil
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Water

Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth ofย hazelnutย trees. These trees need consistent moisture, especially during their initial years. Youngย hazelnutย trees should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil around them remains damp but not waterlogged. Deep watering, allowing the moisture to reach the root system, is crucial.

Establishedย hazelnutย trees have moderateย droughtย tolerance but require adequate hydration, especially during dry spells. Monitoring the soil moisture levels and adjusting the watering frequency based on weather conditions is essential. Mulching around the tree’s base can help retain soil moisture and regulate water uptake. Regularly checking the soil’s moisture content and providing a well-balanced watering schedule will contribute significantly to the overall health and productivity ofย hazelnutย trees.

Water drip irrigation using a hose for hazelnut trees
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Temperature and Humidity

Hazelnutย trees, resilient and adaptable, require specific temperature and humidity conditions to thrive. Generally, these trees prefer temperate climates with cool winters and mild summers. They are well-suited forย hardiness zonesย 4 to 9, where they can withstand varying degrees of cold temperatures. However,ย hazelnutย trees also need winter chill to encourage proper fruiting.

Regarding humidity,ย hazelnutย trees can tolerate various humidity levels, making them suitable for different regions. While they are relatively resilient, providing adequate moisture, especially during dry spells, is essential to support healthy growth. Proper mulching around the tree’s base helps retain moisture and maintains a stable environment for these trees to flourish. By ensuring the right balance of temperature and humidity, you can nurture yourย hazelnutย tree and enjoy a bountifulย harvestย of delicious nuts.

Hazelnut garden in Turkey
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Fertilizer

Understanding their fertilizer requirements is essential when it comes to ensuring the optimal growth ofย hazelnutย trees. With their sprawling branches and bountiful nuts, these trees have specific nutrient needs for healthy development. Providing a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) suitable forย hazelnutย trees is crucial.

A slow-release granular fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or similar is recommended. It’s best to apply the fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins, to support the tree’s energy requirements for the upcoming season. A well-fertilizedย hazelnutย tree exhibits lush foliage and ensures a prolificย harvestย of delectableย hazelnuts. Remember, proper fertilization is key toย hazelnutย tree care, enhancing their overall health and productivity.

Pruning

Pruningย is vital toย hazelnutย tree care, ensuring their health, shape, and productivity. Regularย pruning, typically done in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, helps remove dead or diseased branches, encouraging new growth. Removing any crossed or crowded branches is essential to allow proper airflow and sunlight penetration, fostering a healthier canopy.

Trim back any branches growing towards the tree’s center to maintain an open, well-ventilated structure. Additionally,ย pruneย away any water sprouts orย suckersย at the tree’s base to direct the energy toward the main branches.ย Hazelnutย trees respond well to rejuvenationย pruning, where older, less productive wood is removed, stimulating the growth of new, vigorous branches.

Lots of hazelnut trees in an orchard
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Remember to use sharp, cleanย pruningย tools to make precise cuts, minimizing damage to the tree. Regular and thoughtfulย pruningย enhances the tree’s overall appearance and promotes betterย nut production, ensuring a thrivingย hazelnutย tree in your garden.

Overwintering

During winter,ย hazelnutย trees need protection against freezing temperatures and frost. Mulching around the tree’s base with a thick layer of organic material, such as straw or compost, acts as a natural insulator, shielding the roots from extreme cold. Wrapping the tree trunk with burlap or tree wrap prevents sunscald, a common issue caused by temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, watering the tree adequately before the ground freezes helps it withstand winterย droughtย stress. Regularly inspecting the tree for signs ofย pestsย or diseases and promptly addressing any issues ensures theย hazelnutย tree enters the winter season in optimal health, ready to blossom and bear fruits when spring arrives.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Types ofย Hazelnutย Tree

Hazelnutย trees offer various species and cultivated varieties, each presenting unique characteristics and flavors. Let’s explore these diverseย hazelnutย varieties, including the widely recognizedย European Hazelnut.

Common Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Close-up view on the nuts and green leaves of Common Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Common Hazel (Corylus avellana) โ€“ Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Corylus avellana, commonly known as Common Hazel, is a widely cultivated species celebrated for its flavorful nuts. Theseย medium-sized trees, reaching up to 20 feet in height, produce nuts encased in a hard shell. Harvested in late summer and early autumn, Common Hazels are cherished for their sweet, rich taste, making them popular choices for culinary uses and confectionery. Theย male catkinsย are a food staple of ruffedย grouseย throughout the winter.

Americanย Hazelnutย (Corylus americana)

Hanging catkins of the American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) โ€“ Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Corylus americana, theย American Hazelnut Treeย or theย American Hazel, is a native species inย eastern North America. Theseย thicket-forming shrubbyย hazelnutย trees, ranging from 8 to 12 feet tall, bear delicious, round nuts encased in a thick, fringedย husk. Valued for culinary applications andย wildlifeย habitats, Americanย Hazelnutsย thrive in various soil types and harsh climates, making them a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.ย Squirrels,ย deer,ย turkey,ย woodpeckers,ย pheasants,ย grouse,ย quail, andย jaysย prefer the nuts produced by thisย shrub.

Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)

Catkins of the Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)
Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna) โ€“ Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Corylus colurna, also called Turkish Hazel, hails from Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. Towering 40 to 60 feet, theseย hazelnutย trees feature long, slender nuts with a thin shell, offering a delightful, sweetย flavor. Highly prized in the culinary world, Turkish Hazels are often used in baking and confectionery. Hardy and adaptable, they find favor among growers in diverse climates.

European Hazelnutย (Corylus avellanaย var.ย pontica)

Nuts of European Hazelnut on a basket
European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana var. pontica) โ€“ Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Theย European Hazelnut, a specific variety within theย Corylus avellana species, is renowned for its high-quality nuts. Originating in Europe, theseย hazelnutย trees have a long history of cultivation. They produce nuts with a distinct, richย flavorย and are widely used in European cuisine.ย European Hazelnutsย thrive in temperate climates and well-drained soil, making them a sought-after choice for commercial and home cultivation.

Cultivated Varieties: ‘Barcelona,’ ‘Ennis,’ and ‘Butler’

Butler Hazelnuts
โ€˜Butlerโ€™ Hazelnut โ€“ Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In addition to species, cultivatedย hazelnutย varieties like ‘Barcelona,’ ‘Ennis,’ and ‘Butler’ offer specific traits tailored for growers. ‘Barcelona’ย hazelnutsย boast large, flavorful nuts, perfect for commercial cultivation. ‘Ennis’ย hazelnutsย are prized for high yields and disease resistance, making them popular in orchards. ‘Butler’ย hazelnuts, known for excellent nut quality and adaptability, are favored for their versatility in various soil types. These cultivated varieties provide growers with options suited to their unique needs and preferences.

How to Plantย Hazelnutย Tree From Seed

Planting aย hazelnutย tree from seed is a rewarding venture, allowing you to witness the growth of a magnificent tree from a tiny seed. Follow these steps to nurture yourย hazelnutย seed into a flourishing tree that will grace your garden for years.

Step 1: Preparing the Seed

Start by selecting a healthyย hazelnutย seed. Place the seed in a water bowl to test its viability โ€“ if it sinks, it’s good to go. Next, scarify the seed coat gently, using sandpaper or a file, to encourage germination. Soak the seed in water for 24 hours, promoting hydration and preparing it for planting.

Hazelnut seeds on the ground
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Step 2: Planting the Seed

Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Dig a small hole, about 2 inches deep, and place theย hazelnutย seed inside. Cover it gently with soil, ensuring it’s snug but compacted. Water the area thoroughly to settle the soil and initiate the germination process.

Step 3: Providing the Right Conditions

Hazelnutย trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Ensure your seedling receives ample sunlight, at least 6 hours a day, to fuel its growth. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging, asย hazelnutsย dislike standing water. Mulch the tree’s base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, fostering a healthy environment for yourย hazelnutย tree to flourish.

Step 4: Addressing Commonย Pestsย and Problems

Stay vigilant for commonย hazelnutย pestsย like aphids or caterpillars. A natural insecticidal soap can help keep these nuisances at bay without harming your tree.ย Pruningย is essential to remove dead or diseased branches, ensuring yourย hazelnutย tree channels its energy into healthy growth.

Step 5: Flowering, Fruiting, and Aftercare

With patience, yourย hazelnutย tree will bless you with delicate catkins and, in time,ย clustersย of nuts. Be mindful of the blooming period, usually in late winter to early spring, when the tree’s beauty peaks. After the first year, consider providing a balanced fertilizer to support the tree’s nutritional needs.

Growing branch of hazelnut tree with green leaves
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Remember,ย hazelnutย trees are resilient but flourish with little care and attention. As you nurture your seedling into maturity, you’re not just growing a tree โ€“ you’re cultivating a living testament to the wonders of nature right in your backyard.

How to Propagateย Hazelnutย Tree

Below are three effective methods to successfully propagateย hazelnutย trees, each with unique steps.

Propagation through Tie-Off Layering:

  1. Select a Suitable Branch:Choose a low, flexible branch from theย hazelnutย tree.
  2. Scrape and Wound the Branch:Gently scrape off a portion of the bark to expose the inner layer.
  3. Secure with Moist Soil:Cover the wounded area with moist soil and secure it in place. Keep the soil consistently damp.
  4. Developing Roots:The branch will develop its root system over time.
  5. Transplant the New Tree:ย Once the branch has strong roots, cut it from the parent tree and transplant it to a desired location.

Propagation through Grafting:

  1. Select Rootstock and Scion:Choose a healthyย hazelnutย sapling as rootstock and a cutting from the desiredย hazelnutย variety as the scion.
  2. Make Precise Cuts:ย Make precise cuts on the rootstock and scion to ensure a perfect fit.
  3. Secure Grafts:ย Secure the two parts together using grafting tape or rubber bands. Ensure the connection is tight and stable.
  4. Allow Healing:Allow the tissues to fuse and heal, usually over several weeks.
  5. Monitor Growth:Monitor the grafted area for signs of successful integration and growth.
Leaves and nuts of hazelnut tree
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Propagation through Cuttings:

  1. Select Healthy Branches:Choose disease-free branches from theย hazelnutย tree forย stemย cuttings.
  2. Prepare Cuttings:ย Cut branches into 6 to 8-inch sections, ensuring each cutting has multipleย leafย nodes.
  3. Rooting Hormone Application:Remove lowerย leavesย from the cuttings and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.
  4. Plant in Soil:Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture, keeping them consistently moist.
  5. Monitor Root Development:With regular care, the cuttings will develop roots, indicating successful propagation.

By following these steps meticulously, you can propagateย hazelnutย trees effectively, enjoying the benefits of homegrown varieties and expanding the beauty of your garden.

Harvestingย and Storingย Hazelnuts

Harvestingย and storingย hazelnutsย is a delightful culmination of your efforts as a gardener. Timing and handling ensure the nuts reach their peakย flavorย and texture. Let’s explore the best practices forย harvestingย and storing these delectable treasures.

Harvestingย Hazelnuts:

Hands holding freshly harvested hazelnuts
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Harvestingย hazelnutsย at the right moment is essential for theirย flavorย and quality. The ideal time toย harvestย is when the nuts have fully matured but before they start falling naturally from the tree. Here are the steps forย harvestingย hazelnuts:

  1. Visual Signs:Observe the nuts for visual cues. Matureย hazelnutsย will have a golden-brown color and a slightly wrinkled appearance. Americanย hazelnutsย ripen over six weeks inย Septemberย andย October.
  2. Shake the Branches:Gently shake the branches to encourage ripe nuts to fall. Use a tarp or a cloth underneath to catch the fallingย hazelnuts.
  3. Handpick Remaining Nuts:After shaking, inspect the tree and handpick any remaining nuts that didn’t fall but are mature.
  4. Test a Few Nuts:Crack open a few nuts to ensure the kernels are fully developed and filled the shell. They should be plump and flavorful.
  5. Dry the Nuts:Spread the harvested nuts in a single layer in a well-ventilated area for a few days to allow them to dry slightly, making removing the shells easier.

Storingย Hazelnuts:

Bunch of hazelnuts in a container
Photo Credit: Dreamstime.

Proper storage is vital to maintain the freshness andย flavorย ofย hazelnutsย over an extended period. Nuts may be roasted and eaten or ground intoย flour, but they are also commonly left forย squirrelsย and birds. Here’s how to storeย hazelnutsย effectively:

  1. Shell the Nuts:If you haven’t already, remove the shells from theย hazelnuts. This can be done by cracking them open with a nutcracker or rubbing them in a towel to loosen the shells.
  2. Select a Storage Container:Choose an airtight container to store the shelledย hazelnuts, such as a glass jar or a vacuum-sealed bag.
  3. Keep Them Cool:Store theย hazelnutsย in a cool, dark place, ideally in the refrigerator or freezer. The lower temperatures help preserve their freshness and prevent rancidity.
  4. Avoid Moisture and Light:Ensure the storage container is airtight to prevent moisture and light from affecting the nuts, as these factors can lead to spoilage.
  5. Label and Date:Don’t forget to label the container with the type ofย hazelnutsย and the date ofย harvesting. This helps you keep track of freshness.

Commonย Pestsย and Plant Diseases forย Hazelnutย Tree

Eastern Filbert Blightย (Anisogramma anomala)

Eastern Filbert Blightย is a fungal disease that poses a significant threat toย hazelnutย trees. It manifests asย cankersย on branches and trunks, eventually leading to wilting and dieback of affected parts. Keeping yourย hazelnutย tree well-pruned and ensuring good air circulation can help minimize the risk. Also, choose resistantย hazelnutย varieties, which have demonstrated higher immunity against this destructive disease.

Aphids

Green aphids on a green leaf
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can infestย hazelnutย trees, causing distortedย leavesย and reduced growth. These persistentย pestsย multiply rapidly, making early detection crucial. One natural way to combat aphids is by introducing ladybugs or lacewings, their natural predators. Alternatively, a strong blast of water can dislodge aphids from theย leaves. Regularly inspect yourย hazelnutย tree for signs of these tiny invaders, and take prompt action to prevent a full-blown infestation.

Hazelnutย Weevils (Curculio nucum)

Macro of a hazelnut weevil (Curculio nucum) on hazelnut leaves
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Hazelnutย weevils are notorious for damagingย hazelnutsย by laying eggs inside the developing nuts. The larvae then consume the kernels, rendering the nuts inedible. To deterย hazelnutย weevils, maintain good orchard hygiene by promptly collecting fallen nuts. Applying neem oil or diatomaceous earth around the tree’s base can act as a barrier, preventing the weevils from climbing up. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to preventing significant losses caused by theseย pests.

Powderyย Mildew

Closeup of powdery mildew on the leaves of hazelnut
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Powderyย mildewย is a common disease caused byย fungiย that can affectย hazelnutย trees, causing a powdery white substance to appear onย leavesย and branches. Properย pruningย to improve air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicidal sprays during the growing season can help control the spread of powderyย mildew. Regularly inspect yourย hazelnutย tree for signs of this disease and treat it promptly to prevent widespread infection.

Common Plant Problems and Solutions forย Hazelnutย Tree

Yellowingย Leavesย and Poor Growth

Observing yellowingย leavesย and stunted growth in yourย hazelnutย tree can be concerning. This often indicates nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen. A well-balanced fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, applied in spring can provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, adding organic matter like compost around the tree’s base enhances soil fertility, promoting lush green foliage and vigorous growth.

Wiltingย Leavesย and Drooping Branches

If you notice wiltingย leavesย and drooping branches, especially during the growing season, the culprit might be inadequate watering.ย Hazelnutย trees require consistent moisture, especially in dry spells. Ensure deep watering, allowing the soil to absorb water thoroughly. Mulching around the tree’s base helps retain moisture and prevents water evaporation. Regularly check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Disease on hazelnut leaf
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Curlingย Leavesย and Distorted Shoots

Curlingย leavesย and distorted shoots are typical symptoms of aphid infestation. These tiny insects suck sap fromย leaves, causing deformities. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and encouraging beneficial insects in your garden can help control aphid populations. Alternatively, spraying a mild, soapy water solution on the affected parts can deter aphids. Regularly inspect yourย hazelnutย tree, especially youngย leaves, and take prompt action to prevent the aphids from spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need 2ย hazelnutย trees to get nuts?

Yes, having twoย hazelnutย trees is usually necessary for optimalย nut production.ย Hazelnutย trees are generally not self-pollinating, requiring pollen from another compatibleย hazelnutย tree to produce nuts. Planting at least two varieties ensuresย cross-pollination, increasing the chances of a successfulย harvest.

Where doย hazelnutย trees grow best?

Hazelnutย trees thrive in temperate climates with well-drained soil and moderate rainfall. They prefer areas withย full sunย toย partial shade. Ideal regions forย hazelnutย cultivation include parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. In theย United States,ย hazelnutย trees grow well in states like Oregon, Washington, and certain parts of the Midwest.

Can you eatย hazelnutsย straight from the tree?

Hazelnutsย are typically encased in hard shells when they mature on the tree. While eating them straight from the tree is not recommended due to the tough shell, once they are harvested and properly processed,ย hazelnutsย are delicious and nutritious. Roasting the nuts or using them in various culinary applications enhances theirย flavorย and makes them enjoyable. Many birds, including blueย jays,ย woodpeckers, andย quail, feast on the nuts, whileย deerย and rabbits are known to eat theย twigsย andย leaves.

Areย hazelnutsย tree nuts?

Yes,ย hazelnutsย are tree nuts. They grow onย hazelnutย trees and are classified as tree nuts.ย Hazelnutsย contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are commonly used in cooking, baking, and snacking due to their delightful taste and nutritional benefits.

What doย hazelnutย trees look like?

Depending on the species and variety,ย Hazelnutย trees generally have a rounded shape with multiple trunks or branches spreading outwards. They feature oval-shaped, serratedย leavesย that are bright green. In the late winter to early spring,ย hazelnutย trees produce catkins, which are small, droopingย clustersย of flowers. These flowers eventually give way to theย edible nuts, each enclosed in a hard shell.

 

Other Guides from Planet Natural:

How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peanut Plants

Pear Tree Complete Guide: Caring, Growing, Types, & Uses

Plum Tree Complete Guide: Caring, Growing, Types, & Uses