California Hazel (Corylus cornuta californica)

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

Corylus cornuta californica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. Eaten fresh or preserved for winter use. The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Eaten fresh or preserved for winter use.; The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels.; When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp slopes and banks below 2100 metres in California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)