Hazelnut: OSU Cultivars - Bareroot

Hazelnuts are productive, multi-purpose trees. Orchards prune to a tree form to maximize production, while shrubby hazelnuts are useful as windbreaks, privacy screens, hedgerows, erosion control, and living fences. Hazels can grow to 20+ feet, but they can also be kept significantly smaller with regular pruning or coppicing. They grow as an understory and forest edge tree in their native habitats, so they are tolerant of partial shade. For these reasons, they are an excellent choice for backyard growers without a lot of space. They are also grown commercially in this region, especially in Oregon. They are wind-pollinated so at least two trees are required. Plant densely to form a hedgerow or border at property line. Tolerant of wet soil as long as it drains in the spring (we've observed healthy trees in standing water during dormant months). Final spacing is highly variable depending on your goals. Space very densely (5') for a living hedge or privacy screen and thin or coppice as needed. Final orchard spacing is 10'-20 x 20'.

Genetics: These are named varieties from Oregon State University's breeding program aimed at developing disease-resistant varieties that produce heavy crops of large nuts. The Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) recently decimated many commercial hazelnut orchards in the Pacific Northwest region. Because they are cloned from the parent tree, they are genetically identical, which means they have proven disease-resistance.

Why bare root? "Bare root" means that the tree has been grown in the ground (rather than in a pot). In general, bare root trees tend to have larger root systems because their roots aren't constricted by the edges of the pot. Because we don't need to use pots or potting soil, we can sell them more cheaply than potted trees. Bareroot trees must be planted when they are still dormant (Nov - Mar in our region).