Horse Chestnut vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs European Hazelnut

Corylus avellana

Aesculus hippocastanum

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CUSTOM GROW

European Hazelnut
Horse Chestnut

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.

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.

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Nuts: woody shelled with thin brown skin
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Flavor: sweet, with an earthy taste
Harvest: late summer - early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


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