Plant Profile: Corylus americana

The hazelnut is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 9 to 12 feet. It thrives in its natural habitat of rocky woodlands, forests, and thickets. The leaves are arranged alternately, featuring a double-toothed edge and a hairy stem. Its bark is smooth, gray-brown, and displays a distinctive criss-cross netted pattern. In early spring, the shrub produces light brown male flowers alongside red female stigmas and styles. By fall, it yields a 1/2-inch brown nut, which is encased in a hairy, leaf-like husk with jagged edges, becoming edible at maturity.

**Seasons of Interest:**
- **Leaves:** Fall
- **Blooms:** Winter/Early Spring
- **Nut/Fruit/Seed:** Late Summer/Fall

**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Issues:**
The hazelnut generally faces no significant insect or disease threats. However, it may attract scale insects, leafhoppers, and various caterpillars that feed on its foliage. Occasionally, it experiences issues such as leaf spots, blight, and crown gall, and it can also be susceptible to damage from deer.