Beaked Hazelnut - q’ap’ux̌ʷac - (Corylus cornuta)
This understory shrub is one of the first to bloom bringing promise of new growth. Its long, male catskins appear in late winter, generally late-January to March, even before its leaves are present. Unfortunately, during its bloom time Beaked Hazelnut can pose as a major allergen for some. However, it has many redeeming qualities as well. When the plants leaves do appear, they are a rounded-ovate shape, fuzzy, toothed at the margins, and turn a gorgeous, vivid yellow in the spring. The plants spherical nuts ripen September to October and are enclosed in a husk that protrudes 2-4 times the length of the nut to form a “beak”. Beaked Hazelnut can be used similarly to commercial hazelnuts - raw, roasted, in salads, or in baked goods as flour, etc. They're especially good sources of protein and omega fatty acids. However, the hazelnuts are so loved by squirrels and birds that you might be hard-pressed to find them before they do. This plant is truly a wildlife favorite as Beaked Hazelnut is also utilized for nesting and cover. Native Americans have used Beaked Hazelnut as a food source as well as for arrow making, basket and fish trap weaving, and twisted for use in tying.
*Prefers partial to full shade
*Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
*Suitable near forests edge, in a woodland garden, in open forests, and in high fire risk areas as it will regenerate from its root crown.
*Typically, 3-15 feet in height, max height 20 feet.
*Sold Bare Root
*Sold in bundles of 5
q’ap’ux̌ʷac *Lushootseed provided by the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and audio by Chris Briden, Puyallup Tribal member.