SafePlants

California Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica)

The California Hazelnut, also known as Western Beaked Hazel or California Filbert, is a versatile plant native to the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a shrub.
• It produces nuts.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a shrub.
• It produces nuts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corylus cornuta var. californica
• Common Names: Western Beaked Hazel, California Hazel, California Hazelnut, California Filbert, Beaked Hazel, Turkish Filbert, Turkish Hazel
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
• Genus: Corylus L. (hazelnut)
• Species: Corylus cornuta Marsh. (beaked hazelnut)
• Variety: Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. californica (A. DC.) Sharp
• Synonyms: C. rostrata, C cornuta subsp cornuta, C cornuta var californica
• Plant Symbol (USDA): COCOC

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States, ranging from central California to British Columbia.
• Found along the California coast, particularly from the Cazadero region northward.
• Occurs in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. In California, it grows along the Coast Range from Santa Cruz County northward.
• A natural resident in woodland and shade gardens.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub, typically growing to 1 to 4 meters (3 to 13 feet) tall, though some sources indicate it can reach up to 8 meters (26 feet) or even 15 m tall (49 feet).
• Multi-stemmed shrub with an open growth habit.
• Fuzzy, oval-shaped, notched leaves.
• Blooms in late winter/early spring (February through April) with tiny flowers about 1 inch (2 cm) long.
• Nuts ripen in late summer, earlier than the traditional autumn nut harvest.

Ecological Role and Uses

• Used in hedgerows, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat.
• An important food source for people.

Quirky Facts

• Unlike many nuts harvested in autumn, California hazelnuts ripen in the summer.

Further Information

• USDA Plants database