Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Hamamelididae

Order Fagales

Family Betulaceae – Birch family

Genus Corylus L. – hazelnut

Species Corylus cornuta Marsh. – beaked hazelnut

Variety Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. californica (A. DC.) Sharp – California hazelnut

An attractive, small tree reaching 20 – 30’ tall and 6’ wide, with multiple arching branches.

The long, pendant male catkins form in late winter to give charm and ornamental value and are the first native blooms of spring.

The leaves resemble large, crinkled birch or alder leaves, although far more decorative.

The bark is smooth and the twigs often crisscross beautifully.

Squirrels like the edible nuts, as do many people! Western hazelnut is shade and moisture tolerant and prefers a slightly alkaline soil.

This variety is native only to the west coast, but hardy USDA zones 4-8.

With a little effort, Western hazelnut can be trained to form a unique hedge, offering a bounty of nutritious, gourmet snacks.

It's a tough species that survives attacks of civilization with grace, making an excellent tree for city planting.

Not available for sale in Oregon unless approved by Dept. of Agriculture.