Corylus avellana

From the Greek word korylos, which means helmet, referring to the husk covering the nut.  Avella is derived from Avella Vecchia, a city east of Naples where cultivation was abundant.

Corylus avellana is a large deciduous shrub that is commonly known as the European Hazel. It is native to the British Isles, Western Asia, and as far south as the Iberian Peninsula. It is famous along with other species of the genus Corylus for its production of hazelnuts (cobnuts) though avellana is the most commonly used for production. It enjoys full sun conditions and produces suckers that may need to be pruned. The shrub produces a thicket of multiple shoots which can grow out of hand if not pruned.

In addition to the commercial produced variety, there are several varieties that can be used in the home landscape.  

Both male and female flowers can be found on this plant.  They bloom in late winter to early spring on the still bare branches.  The female flowers are inconspicuous, with only one tenth of an inch of red visible, while the male flowers can be somewhat showy with their greenish-yellow flowers a sight for the winter garden.  They become more yellow as they release pollen.  The male flowers can be found in the form of a catkin with the inconspicuous female flowers are just above the catkins.  

Grown in Europe for the production of nuts, the varieties or cultivars found in the US are typically lacking the desired taste.  They are however, roasted and eaten by some.  

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Spreading by suckers, this plant can become weedy if the suckers are not removed.  The most common insect found on this plant is the Japanese beetle, that devour the leaves.  Eastern Filbert blight, black knot, crown gall, apple mosaic virus and leaf spot are something of an issue. 

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.