Corylus americana with hulls (American Filbert, American Hazel, American Hazel Nut)

Corylus americana with hulls (American Filbert, American Hazel, American Hazel Nut) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. It is recognized for its distinctive, fringed, and leafy bracts, commonly referred to as "hulls," that surround the nuts. The nuts themselves are edible and often referred to as hazelnuts.

The plant typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet, and its leaves are broadly heart-shaped with serrated edges. The male and female flowers appear on the same plant, with the male catkins being longer and more prominent. The female flowers give rise to clusters of nuts surrounded by the leafy bracts, which contribute to the plant's unique appearance.

The hulls, which partially enclose the nuts, are often fringed and have a leafy or lacy appearance, adding ornamental value to the plant. These nuts mature in late summer or early fall and are a valuable food source for wildlife and humans alike.

Corylus americana is well-adapted to a variety of soil types and is commonly found in open woodlands, forest edges, and along stream banks. It is appreciated for its ecological role in providing food for wildlife and its potential for landscaping and permaculture due to the edible nuts it produces.