Hazelnut (native hazels)
Corylus americana / Corylus cornuta
Native hazels are shrubs with rounded toothed leaves and nuts enclosed by leafy husks. American hazelnut and beaked hazelnut both occur in the region. The edible kernels are tree nuts; much of the crop also feeds wildlife.
Native range
Corylus americana: eastern North America. Corylus cornuta: much of Canada and the United States.
Typical season
Broad late-summer and early-autumn reference; wildlife and local conditions strongly affect availability.
Identification
American hazelnut has a frilled husk; beaked hazelnut has a long, tubular husk with irritating hairs. Compare leaves, husks and shrub form to choose the species. Cultivated European hazels are separate; use gloves for hairy husks and consider nut allergies.