American Hazelnut
Family:
Betulaceae (birches)
Description:
Thicket-forming, spreading shrub, attaining a height of 3–10 feet.
Leaves alternate, simple, 2 l/2" - 6" long, broadly egg- to heart-shaped; edges coarsely doubly toothed; soft-hairy below. Leaf blade with 5–8 veins on each side of the central vein.
Bark brown to gray-brown, fairly smooth, the outer, thin layer slightly grooved.
Flowers February–April. Male flowers in yellowish catkins; female flowers inconspicuous along stem.
Fruit matures July–August; a globe-shaped nut enclosed in a leafy covering.
Size:
Height: 10 feet; spread: 8 feet.
Habitat and conservation:
American hazelnut, also called hazel or American filbert, grows in dense thickets on a wide variety of soils and sites. Often associated with white oak, black oak, hickory, gray dogwood and blackberry.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide. Probably native to every county in Missouri.
Status:
Common.
Human connections:
As an ornamental, it makes a good deciduous screen or barrier and has colorful autumn leaves. The nut is prized by cooks. This plant also good for controlling erosion.
Ecosystem connections:
Bobwhites, ruffed grouse, blue jays, squirrels and white-tailed deer eat the nuts. The catkins of this species provide important winter food for ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer, which also browse on the twigs. In addition to giving food, this species also provides valuable cover for wildlife. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/4587
