American Hazelnut (Filbert) (Corylus americana)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Native deciduous thicket-forming shrub bearing pairs or clusters of rich, sweet nuts wrapped in frilly, ruffled green papery husks.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet, rich, buttery, and delicate—comparable to the finest commercial European filberts. — Harvested when frilly husks turn brown and nuts pull free easily; Air dried in shells for 2-3 weeks to cure flavor; Lightly toasted in a skillet to slip papery skins; Ground into wild hazelnut flour or homemade dark chocolate nut spreads

Habitat & North American Range

Dry to moist woodland borders, prairie savannas, thickets, fencerows, and hillside openings. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)