California Hazelnut

Corylus cornuta var. californica
Birch Family (Betulaceae)
Native Plant
Shrub to small tree. Grows in moist, but well drained, open to shady sites at low to mid elevations.
Produces long pendant male catkins in late winter. The seed, or hazelnut, is edible and was favored by Native Americans. Seedlings transplant easily. Domestic (European) hazelnuts, bloom earlier.