Beaked hazelnut

The beaked hazelnut, or “beaked hazel,” is a shrub native to North America, common in most of Quebec’s forests. Used for several species in the genus Corylus, one of its French names, coudrier, comes from the Greek korus “helmet,” a nod to the husk that encloses the nut. Growing 1 to 4 meters tall, Corylus cornuta often forms dense thickets.

Its alternate, oval leaves are heart-shaped at the base and pointed at the tip. They have double-toothed edges, with each large tooth bearing smaller ones. Both leaf surfaces are covered with a light fuzz.

This species is monoecious, meaning a single shrub produces both male and female flowers. The male flowers form hanging catkins, while the female flowers are solitary, very small, and bright red.

The fruit consists of an elongated, pointed bract shaped like a beak —an outer spiny husk enclosing a nut—which gives the beaked hazelnut its name. Fruits usually grow in pairs or clusters of three along the fruiting branches.