Overview:
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark, commonly known as the huskless American hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub found primarily in the central and eastern United States. The plant has a variety of uses and is well-known for its edible nuts, as well as its attractive appearance.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly referred to as the huskless American hazelnut, and is also known by other names such as the American filbert, wild hazelnut, and smooth shellbark.
Origin:
The Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark is a member of the Betulaceae family and is native to North America. It can be found growing from eastern Canada, south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Oklahoma.
Appearance:
The huskless American hazelnut is a shrub that typically grows to be 3-15 feet tall, with a spread of up to 12 feet. It has a rounded shape and is densely branched. The leaves are rounded with coarsely serrated edges and a pubescent underside. The plant produces male and female flowers, with male flowers being organized in catkins, and female flowers growing in clusters. The fruit is a nut that is enclosed in a leafy husk, but unlike other hazelnuts, the husk splits open at maturity, which is why it is referred to as "huskless." The nut is usually round and has a thin shell that encloses a single kernel.
Uses:
The huskless American hazelnut is primarily cultivated for its edible nuts, which are similar in taste and texture to the more commonly known European hazelnut. The nuts can be eaten raw or roasted and are used in a variety of culinary applications such as baking, candy making, and as a topping for salads. In addition to its culinary uses, the huskless American hazelnut is also grown for its ornamental value, as it is a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in a number of different environmental conditions.
Overall, the huskless American hazelnut is a useful and attractive plant that has a variety of different applications, both in the kitchen and in the world of landscaping and horticulture.Light Requirements
The Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark is a species that thrives in partial shade to full sun. It can grow in shaded areas, but the production of fruits may be reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area with at least four to six hours of daily sunlight to ensure optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can adapt to different temperature conditions. However, it grows best in an environment with a temperature range between 40°F to 75°F (4.4°C to 23.8°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) but may experience damage to buds and flowers if exposed to a temperature below 30°F (-1°C) during the blooming period.
Soil Requirements
The Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Soil that retains moisture for an extended period may lead to root rot and decrease in the plant's growth and survival rate. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help to maintain soil moisture and suppress weed growth while providing organic matter to the soil.
Cultivation
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark, commonly known as the American hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall with a spread of 8 feet. This species thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Plant it in a location that receives partial to full sun exposure.
The American hazelnut is relatively low maintenance once established, and it is drought tolerant. However, it is susceptible to insect damage, so keep an eye out for pests.
Watering Needs
During the establishment period, water the American hazelnut regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the plant has matured, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is still essential to water it when the soil is dry to encourage healthy growth.
To prevent root rot, water the plant at the base rather than from above. It is also advisable to water it early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark is a light feeder and generally does not require frequent fertilization. A well-balanced fertilizer applied in the spring is sufficient to meet the plant's nutritional needs. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can lead to excessive growth and weaken the shrub, making it more vulnerable to disease and damage from pests.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to keep the American hazelnut healthy and maintain its shape. Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, diseased or damaged branches as well as any suckers growing from the base to prevent overcrowding. Aged canes should be cut to encourage new growth. If a young shrub is growing vigorously, prune it to encourage branching and to create a fuller plant.
Propagation of Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark
The plant Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark, commonly known as American hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. This plant is highly valued for its edible nuts and ornamental qualities. Propagation of this plant involves several methods, including seed germination, cuttings, layering, and suckers.
Seed Germination
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark seeds are best collected in the fall after they have matured and turned brown. After collection, the seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified in a cool, moist environment for three to four months to increase the likelihood of germination. The seeds can be sown directly in spring when the soil is workable and temperatures have risen. They should be planted one to two inches deep in rows or in individual containers. Germination can take up to three months. Once the seedlings have grown to six inches in height, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Cuttings
Cuttings taken from mature branches of Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark can be used for propagation. Cuttings should be taken in the late fall after the leaves have fallen, or in early spring before new growth begins. Cuttings should be six to eight inches in length and should include the terminal bud and two to three lateral buds. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a cool, shaded area until they have rooted, usually in four to six weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers or into their permanent location.
Layering
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark can be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low branch of the plant to the ground and covering it with soil or mulch. Roots will develop where the branch makes contact with the soil, and a new plant will grow from the rooted branch. Once the new plant has developed a strong root system, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Suckers
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark can also reproduce through suckers. Suckers are shoots that arise from the roots of the plant. They can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. Suckers should be removed in the early spring while they are still small and should have developing roots along the stem. They can be transplanted into individual containers or into their permanent location once they have a strong root system.
Common Diseases and Pests
Corylus americana Walt. var. indehiscens Palmer & Steyermark, commonly known as American hazelnut, can be affected by several diseases and pests.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting the American hazelnut is eastern filbert blight (EFB), caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala. The disease attacks the bark, shoots, and leaves of the shrub, causing cankers and leading to the death of the plant. Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is Corylus twig blight, caused by Diaporthe spp. This disease can cause twig dieback and leaf spots, and it can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
Pests
One of the most destructive pests for the American hazelnut is the filbertworm (Melissopus latiferreanus). The larvae of this moth feed on the nuts, causing significant damage or complete loss of the crop. Another pest that can affect the shrub is the hazelnut weevil (Curculio nucum). The adult weevil feeds on the developing nuts, causing them to drop prematurely, and the larvae feed on the kernel of the nut. Other potential pests include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Management Strategies
Disease Management
To manage eastern filbert blight, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant material, including branches, twigs, and leaves. Fungicide applications can also be effective, but they must be timed correctly and applied before symptoms are visible. To prevent twig blight, it is important to prune out any dead or diseased twigs and sanitize pruning equipment between cuts.
Pest Management
To manage filbertworms, it is important to monitor the crop regularly and apply insecticides if necessary. Cultural practices such as removing overwintering sites and removing infested nuts can also be effective. To manage hazelnut weevils, insecticide applications can be effective if timed correctly, and harvesting the nuts promptly can prevent the larvae from developing. Natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps can also help to control these pests.
Overall, a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical strategies may be necessary to effectively manage pests and diseases affecting the American hazelnut. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to preventing significant damage or crop loss.
