California Hazelnut
Corylus cornuta var. californica
California hazelnut grows as a large, many-stemmed understory shrub or small tree, its edible nuts enclosed in a distinctive tubular, bristly husk that gives the genus its name — a food gathered by Indigenous peoples across the region for centuries.
Where found
Forest understory throughout the lowland and mid-elevation Pacific Northwest, especially at forest edges and openings.
Fun facts
- Its nuts are enclosed in a long, tubular husk unlike any other regional understory plant.
- A traditional and still-popular foraged food across its range.
- Often resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or cutting.
Specs
| Height | 3–8 m |
|---|---|
| Spread | 3–6 m |
| Lifespan | 20–40 yrs (individual stems) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun | Part shade to full sun |
| Native Range | British Columbia to central California, west of the Cascades |
