Filbert, Hazelnut

The Hazelnut tree, also known as the Filbert tree, is indigenous to a large part of the United States. The main species, Corylus Americana, is prized for its small, tasty nut, which is eaten plain or used in many pastry and chocolate delights. Hazelnuts, which are grown commercially in the western states, are also sought after as an ornamental, due to their ability to be cultivated as a shrub or plum sized tree. Filberts will grow almost anywhere in the country, and with the exception of their tendency to bloom too soon, they are easy to cultivate. Often a prematurely warm day will force the catkins out before the last frost has occurred. Because Hazelnuts are propagated almost exclusively from layering, the purchaser will benefit from an established root that will immediately begin vigorous growth. Saplings must be placed in soil that has adequate drainage due to their inability to tolerate standing moisture. Hazelnuts characteristically send out numerous shoots or suckers that the grower can train in either multi-stemmed shrubs or single-stemmed trees. If a tree is desired, this sucker growth must be monitored regularly, because the plant will continue to sprout new shoots.