giant hazel

The giant hazel, or giant filbert (Corylus maxima), is a species of shrub or tree in the birch family, native to the north temperate zone. It is one of several species within the genus Corylus that are commercially important for their edible nuts. These plants are deciduous, with alternate, serrate leaves. In late winter, they produce yellow male catkins and smaller female flowers. The nuts are roundish or oblong, typically 1 to 4 cm long, and partially or fully enclosed in a husk. The giant hazel, along with the European filbert and their hybrids with American species, produces choice nuts. The shells of hazelnuts have various uses, including in the production of plywood, artificial wood, and linoleum.12