I’m just so fascinated by American Hazelnut (or filbert). They are in bloom now in our region. I found several at Allegany State Park. They are in bloom at Audubon, where I work, too.
Here’s a large one I found at Allegany State Park
This is a wind-pollinated flower with both female and male parts on the same shrub.
The male parts, called catkins, produce pollen.
The female parts are pink! They will receive pollen, delivered by the wind.
I don’t find a whole lot of them, but once in a while, you do see nuts on the shrubs:
They are in bloom now! Keep your eyes open for them!
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I have them on my place. I’ve kept a close eye on them in the fall in hopes of harvesting a few, but the critters always seem to get them before I can. Last year I checked them, found them to be unripe, and found them virtually all gone the next day.
Yeah, I never (well, rarely) find the nuts. Wildlife must just LOVE them. The first time I found one, I thought it was a gall!
I’m glad you were finally able to find a female flower. They’re so tiny!
Ha ha… I’m embarrassed to say that I took that picture in 2010 and forgot I had it. Blush.
I feel I’ve taken a nature walk with you each time I read your posts. Thanks for all the photos and great write-ups.
Will have to take a look-see in the woods near my home…..thank you for the great article and images.
My pleasure! And to Fran – I’m happy if I have inspired you to get outside and look around! Thanks for stopping in.
The photos are amazing and the information was great. Thank you.