Horse Chestnut vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs European Hazelnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

Corylus avellana

ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Horse Chestnut
European Hazelnut

Horse Chestnut is a medium sized deciduous tree that is native to Greece but has been grown in North America for hundreds of years. It produces large nuts.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

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.

Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using European Hazelnut seeds at SeedTime.ca.

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flavor: sweet, with an earthy taste
Harvest: late summer - early fall
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Nuts: woody shelled with thin brown skin
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic

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