Hazelnut is a tall shrub with wiry stems producing distinctively bristly fruits, often joined at the base in pairs. Fruits are usually carried below the leaves.The leaves resemble those of some birches, and are both lobed and toothed on their edges. Staminate and pistillate catkins are borne separately. The staminate catkins arise in fall; pollination is delayed until spring. Several European species are grown as crop plants.

Throughout, except for southwestern counties

Nuts. Gather before ripened, July and August. Note the involucre is spiny-fuzzy.

To consume, remove outer involucre and crack inside shell. Note that the nuts are smaller than cultivated ones. To roast: Bake on a cookie sheet in shell for 15-20 minutes at 275˚ F.

Gloves may be worn to harvest fruit. They store for months if left in shell.