Corylus cornuta ssp. californica (California Hazel)

Plant Description: Commonly grows as an open, spreading multi stemmed shrub, although occasionally found as a tree. Leaves are oval to circular shaped with a sharp tip and coarsely toothed edges. Male catkins dangle to about 3 in, where the female flowers resemble a small rounded bud having many vivid red stigma similar to tentacles. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. The nut of this plant is edible and is enclosed in a small, hairy, beaked bract. Western hazelnut differs from beaked hazelnut in the native range the plant is found, as well as the length of the beak on the bract that surrounds the nut. *NEVER CONSUME PLANTS WITHOUT PROPER ID* 

• Height: 18 ft
• Width: 10 ft
• Sun Needs: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist to dry well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Winter - Spring
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This native plant is found in a limited range west of the Cascades, on the Pacific Coast, from dry open forests to moist areas near water in elevations up to 7000 ft. This plant is a great addition to woodland gardens and meadowscape environments. It supports the habitat of the birds and wildlife it attracts.

*2nd photo by SevenOaks Nursery*