CALIFORNIA HAZELNUT

Species Name: Corylus cornuta var. californica
Family: Betulaceae (birch family)
Plant Type: Shrub / small tree

Description:  Shrub or small tree, spreading with multiple stems, open shape, height 5-13 feet, deciduous with bright yellow autumn color.

Leaf:  Round to ovate, velvety hairy on both sides, length to 4 inches, coarsely toothed.

 

Flower:  January-April, monoecious (separate sex on same plant):  Female flower, tiny cluster (½ inch) containing 2 flowers with bright red stigma, grow as terminal buds, appear before leaves; male flower catkin, length to 2½ inches, remain after leaf fall.

Fruit/Seed:  Smooth nut (1-inch-diameter) enclosed in 2 fused, papery, leaf-like bracts, ripen in early autumn.


Typical Location:  Streamsides, moist, shady floodplain forests, often found in the understory of redwood and Douglas fir forests; elevations below 7,000 feet.

Revegetation Approach:  Container.

Notes:  Edible nut is an important food source for many species. It is related to the European hazelnut (filbert).  Native Americans used the flexible stems in basket making.

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