Habitat of the American Hazelnut

Climate and Sun

• American hazelnut grows over a wide area of the country, from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It prefers full sun or partial shade, but it tends to grow taller in the shadier areas than in sunnier areas. It has few other climatic requirements and grows quite happily in a variety of dry and humid zones from prairies to woodlands.

Soil

• This shrub prefers rich, well-draining loam but can grow in a variety of soils from sand to clay. It also does not have much of a preference when it comes to pH, and can survive in most soils -- acidic, neutral or alkaline. In nature, you'll often find it in disturbed areas or along roadsides where many other plants do not thrive.

Moisture Requirements

• American hazelnut flourishes in moist soil, but will tolerate drought once established. In the first year after planting, during the growing season, water regularly to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and repeat when the top 2 or 3 inches of soil dry. After that first year, the shrub requires little supplemental water and none if located in a moist area. Shrubs in full sun and dry soil may require more attention than those located in shade.

Landscape Uses

• This shrub often grows too tall for planting in front of a house, but it does well in woodland gardens or as a border plant. It spreads through suckering from underground rhizomes, but does not do so quickly. Either clip out these suckers or allow them to flourish and form a hedge. Since its growth is somewhat leggy, it does not work well in neat gardens and looks more at home in naturalized areas.