Common Snowberry vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs European Hazelnut

Symphoricarpos albus

Corylus avellana

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Common Snowberry
European Hazelnut

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

European Hazelnut is a large shrub that is native to Europe. It is known for its edible nuts that ripen in late summer to early fall. The nuts can be eaten raw or roasted and have a sweet, earthy flavour. Nut production can start as early as 2-3 years but typically takes until at least 4 years for significant yields.

Catkins appear in late winter to early spring and as they release pollen it attracts bees and other pollinators. Since male and female flowers bloom at different times, multiple shrubs will have to be planted for cross pollination. It is recommended to plant European Hazelnut with other hazelnut varieties such as Beaked Hazelnut, Frank, Yamhill, and York. Planting with other varieties will increase nut production.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Nuts: woody shelled with thin brown skin
Flavor: sweet, with an earthy taste
Harvest: late summer - early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: cobnut, common filbert, common hazelnut, european filbert, european hazel