American Hazelnut

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the humble elegance of the American Hazelnut. This multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub is a true four-season performer, transitioning from delicate catkins in early spring to lush green foliage and a bounty of edible nuts in late summer and fall. Its attractive, serrated leaves transform into a vibrant display of yellows, oranges, and reds as autumn approaches, adding a spectacular splash of color to your garden. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, *Corylus americana* is a powerhouse for ecological diversity. Its early spring pollen provides a vital food source for emerging pollinators, while its nuts are a highly coveted treat for squirrels, deer, and various bird species. Planted singly or in groups, it forms attractive thickets, providing valuable cover and nesting sites for wildlife. Hardy and adaptable, the American Hazelnut thrives in a range of conditions, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, woodland edges, and hedges. Its naturally bushy habit lends itself to informal settings, yet it can be pruned to maintain a more structured form if desired. Enjoy the beauty, the wildlife, and the delicious reward of fresh hazelnuts straight from your own garden.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in a variety of soils, though it prefers well-drained loams. Established plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crowded branches and to maintain desired shape and size. Can be coppiced to encourage new growth if desired.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.