Black Locust vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Black Locust vs European Hazelnut

Robinia pseudoacacia

Corylus avellana

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Black Locust
European Hazelnut

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

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.

Black Locust Quick Facts

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 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: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Nuts: woody shelled with thin brown skin
Flavor: sweet, with an earthy taste
Harvest: late summer - early fall
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: cobnut, common filbert, common hazelnut, european filbert, european hazel