Corylus americana
Specifications
Family
Betulaceae
Species
Corylus americana Walter
american hazelnut
american filbert
Description
Light wood that darkens slightly over time, with a fine, uniform texture.
Plant morphology
The American hazelnut grows as a medium-height shrub, but in some conditions it can take on the shape of a small tree. The bark is light gray, initially smooth, then slightly latticed. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate, with a heart-shaped or rounded base, dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the underside. The male flowers are clustered in brownish catkins and open before the leaves; the female flowers are inconspicuous, consisting only of a light red stigma emerging from a gray-brown bud. The fruit is an edible hazelnut.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Eastern North America.
Habitat and ecology
It is found in moist or dry woodlands, forest edges, along roadsides, and other disturbed areas from lowlands up to 750 m above sea level. It grows on a wide variety of substrates, but prefers rich, moist soils.
Uses
Application areas
It is widely used in traditional crafts for basketry, fences, posts, plant supports and garden structures, as well as as fuel.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
No particular threats have been reported, but climate change will determine in the future an expansion of the range of this species towards higher altitudes, and a shift towards higher latitudes.
Conservation measures
Not reported.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2013
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2013
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Not obvious
Texture
Fine
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not durable
Insect resistance
Not resistant