Overview of Corylus americana
Corylus americana, commonly known as American hazelnut or American filbert, belongs to the genus Corylus of the Betulaceae family. This deciduous shrub is native to the eastern part of North America, from Labrador and Newfoundland in Canada to Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi in the United States. It grows in moist soils of forests, woodlands, and thickets, and it also tolerates dry, rocky, and sandy soils.
Appearance of Corylus americana
American hazelnut can reach a height of 8 to 12 feet and a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It has a multi-stemmed, suckering habit, forming dense and bushy colonies. The stems are thin, flexible, and reddish-brown, with prominent lentils and hair tufts. The leaves are alternate, ovate, doubly serrated, and about 2 to 6 inches long. The upper surface is dark green, while the lower surface is paler and hairy. The fall foliage turns yellow or orange.
The flowers of American hazelnut are monoecious, meaning that both male and female flowers are present on the same plant. They appear in early spring before the leaves, in yellowish-brown catkins. The male catkins are longer and droopier than the female ones, which are shorter and more erect. The fruit of American hazelnut is a nut, enclosed in a bristly husk called an involucre. The nuts are round, brown, and edible, with a hard shell and a sweet kernel.
Uses of Corylus americana
American hazelnut has several uses for humans and wildlife. The nuts are a source of food for birds, mammals, and humans. They are used fresh or roasted, whole or ground, as a snack, a baking ingredient, or a flavoring agent. The oil extracted from the nuts is also used for cooking and cosmetics. The wood of American hazelnut is hard, dense, and flexible, making it suitable for handles, tool shafts, and weavers. The shrub itself is used for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and ornamental purposes. American hazelnut is also a host plant for various butterfly and moth species.
Overall, Corylus americana is a valuable and versatile shrub with ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits. Its unique features and adaptations make it a valuable addition to gardens, natural areas, and agroforestry systems.
Light Requirements
Corylus americana prefers full sun to partial shade to grow best. A minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight exposure daily is necessary to ensure optimum growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. Typically, it prefers temperatures ranging from 20-25 °C (68-77°F) during its growing season. Temperatures below 0°C (32°F) may cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It prefers soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It's essential to note that the plant has a shallow root system and requires soil to be moist at all times. Consistent watering is necessary, as drought may cause the plant to shed its leaves or in severe instances, death. It is also important to avoid water-logged soils as they may cause root rot.
Cultivation
Corylus americana, also known as American hazelnut or American filbert, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 9 and prefers partial shade to full sun. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loams to heavy clays, but prefers well-drained soil. Plant the shrub in the fall or early spring, and space them 8 to 10 feet apart.
Watering Needs
American hazelnuts require regular watering, especially during the first growing season. The soil should stay moist, but not waterlogged. Water the shrubs deeply once a week or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. Once the plants are established, they are moderately drought-tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can boost the growth and productivity of American hazelnuts. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, in early spring before the new growth begins. Use about 1 pound of fertilizer for every year of shrub age, up to a maximum of 5 pounds per shrub. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the drip line, and water thoroughly after application. Repeat the fertilization once or twice during the growing season, but do not apply after mid-summer.
Pruning
American hazelnuts require minimal pruning, but some maintenance is necessary to keep the shrubs healthy and productive. Prune the shrubs in late winter or early spring before the buds break dormancy. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any suckers or branches that cross or rub against each other. Open up the center of the shrub to allow air circulation and sunlight penetration. Leave 6 to 10 healthy stems per shrub, and cut them back by one-third to one-half their length to promote new growth and fruit production.
Propagation of Corylus Americana
Corylus Americana, also known as American Hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that is commonly found growing in the Eastern United States. It is known for producing edible nuts that are enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike. Propagation of Corylus Americana can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, layering, and suckers.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods for propagating Corylus Americana. The seeds are collected in the fall and can be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. In the spring, the seeds can be stratified in a warm, moist environment for several months to encourage germination. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Corylus Americana. This method involves burying a portion of a stem or branch of the plant in the ground while it is still attached to the parent plant. The buried portion will eventually produce roots, and can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted. Layering is typically done in the fall, and the new plant can be transplanted in the spring.
Suckers
Corylus Americana also produces suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the plant. These suckers can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. Suckers are typically removed in the spring or fall and should be transplanted immediately to avoid damage to the roots.
Overall, Corylus Americana is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and can be grown successfully through seed propagation, layering, or suckers.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus Americana
Corylus americana, also known as American hazelnut, is a hardy shrub that is commonly used for landscaping and commercial purposes such as nut production. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can negatively affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB): This is a fungal disease that can cause severe damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth, leaf wilt, and cankers on the branches. The disease is spread through spores and can infect the plant during warm and wet weather. To manage EFB, promptly remove infected branches and burn or bury them to prevent the spread of the disease. In severe cases, consider replacing the plant with a resistant cultivar.
Bacterial Blight: This is another common disease that affects the plant, causing brown blotches on the leaves. The disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas arboricola and can be managed through proper sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected plant debris and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Common Pests
Hazelnut Weevils: These small beetles can cause significant damage to the plant by laying eggs in the buds and nutlets, leading to deformation and loss of the nut's quality. To prevent infestation, remove and destroy any fallen nuts and prune the plant regularly to improve air circulation and reduce the insect's habitat.
Fall Webworm: This pest can form a web over the tree's branches, causing defoliation and reducing the plant's yield. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the webs as soon as possible and consider applying insecticides if the infestation is severe.
Overall, proper sanitation practices such as pruning and removal of infected plant debris can go a long way in preventing the spread of diseases and pests. Additionally, incorporating pest-resistant cultivars can minimize the risk of infestation and disease occurrence. Consult with a local agricultural extension service for further advice on managing diseases and pests in Corylus americana.
