Western Hazel

You recognize California Hazelnut by its rounded habit, heart-shaped deciduous leaves, and distinctive tubular involucre (burr) enclosing edible hazelnuts throughout the understory of coastal California oak and conifer forests, with northern populations in southwestern Oregon.

California Hazelnut reaches 6-12 feet tall in sun to part shade with moderate water needs and excellent drought tolerance once established. It thrives in well-drained, adaptable soils and tolerates poor fertility. Fast-growing with modest lifespan, it suits woodland gardens and native hedgerows. Watch for eastern filbert blight (not yet documented in California populations), powdery mildew, and root weevils. Nuthatches and squirrels harvest nuts readily; wildlife value is substantial.