Plant Profile: Corylus cornuta

The Beaked Hazelnut is a deciduous shrub that thrives in the dry, rocky woodlands, forests, and swamps across Canada and the United States. In North Carolina, it can be found in the Piedmont and mountainous regions. If left unchecked, it can develop into dense thickets due to its ability to produce root suckers. This shrub is cultivated commercially for its nuts and is also utilized in wildlife habitats to provide nourishment.

In early spring, the plant produces separate male and female flowers, which are followed by edible nuts that ripen in the fall. These nuts are encased in a husk that extends outward, resembling a beak, which is how the plant gets its name.

The Beaked Hazelnut prefers acidic, moist soil with excellent drainage and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Given its tendency to form thickets, it is ideally suited for naturalized areas or for use as a hedge or barrier.