Black Hawthorn vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Black Hawthorn vs European Hazelnut

Crataegus douglasii

Corylus avellana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Hawthorn
European Hazelnut

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

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 Hawthorn Quick Facts

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
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: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple
Other Names: cobnut, common filbert, common hazelnut, european filbert, european hazel