The Megnut Bush (Corylus cornuta), also known as Beaked Hazelnut, is a distinctive and rewarding native North American shrub. It offers both ornamental appeal and edible nuts, making it a plant of interest for various gardeners. This guide provides detailed insights into cultivating, harvesting, and addressing potential issues with your Megnut Bush.
Understanding the Megnut Bush
The Megnut Bush (Corylus cornuta) is a deciduous shrub that typically grows 4 to 14 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide, often forming dense thickets. Its bright green leaves are oval to nearly round, about 4 inches long, with a fuzzy texture and doubly serrated edges. In late winter or early spring, before the leaves emerge, the plant displays long, pendulous male catkins that are pale yellow-gray, alongside inconspicuous female flowers with bright red stigmas.
The most distinguishing feature is its fruit. The edible nut is enclosed within a leafy, hairy, light green husk that extends beyond the nut, forming a distinctive beak-like shape. These nuts ripen from late summer to early fall, changing from green to brown as they mature. The plant is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers are found on the same plant, and it is wind-pollinated. Corylus cornuta is native to a wide range across North America, from British Columbia east to Newfoundland and south into various U.S. states, thriving in woodlands, thickets, and along forest edges.
Growing and Caring for Your Megnut Bush
Successful cultivation of the Megnut Bush begins with proper site selection. This shrub performs well in full sun to partial shade; more sunlight generally leads to better nut production. It prefers well-drained, organically rich, loamy soils, ideally slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8-7.5), though it can tolerate a range of pH levels.
During its establishment phase, consistent soil moisture is beneficial. Once mature, it demonstrates good drought tolerance, but regular watering every 1-2 weeks supports robust growth, especially during dry periods. This species is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8, with some varieties extending to Zone 3, and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. Fertilization is not a strict requirement if the soil is fertile, but incorporating compost can enhance its health.
Pruning is not always necessary but can maintain plant health and appearance. Remove dead or diseased branches to prevent pathogen spread and improve vigor. Thinning crowded areas promotes better air circulation. Pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth, is generally recommended. The shrub’s tendency to produce suckers can lead to thicket formation, which can be managed by prompt removal for a more contained growth habit. Propagation can be achieved through stratified seeds or vegetative methods like cuttings or layering; softwood cuttings taken in autumn show good rooting success with rooting hormone.
Harvesting and Uses of Megnuts
Megnuts are typically ready for harvest from late August through October. Indicators of ripeness include the husks turning from green to brown, and the nuts readily detaching from the branches. While waiting for nuts to fall naturally ensures full ripeness, harvesting them slightly earlier, when the husks are still somewhat green but the nuts are firm, can help prevent loss to wildlife. Wearing gloves during harvest is advisable, as the beaked husks are covered with tiny, irritating spines.
To collect Megnuts, gently shake the branches to dislodge ripe nuts, or pick them by hand. After collection, the nuts should be dried thoroughly for 2-4 weeks in a well-ventilated area, spread in a single layer to ensure air circulation. Once dried, they can be stored in their shells in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months. Shelled nuts should be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage to prevent rancidity.
Megnuts are versatile in culinary applications. They can be enjoyed fresh, roasted, or incorporated into various recipes such as baked goods, granolas, or as a topping for salads. Megnut Bushes also serve as a food source for diverse wildlife, including squirrels, deer, grouse, and pheasants. The shrub’s dense growth provides cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Its extensive root system makes it useful for erosion control in naturalized areas.
Addressing Common Megnut Bush Challenges
While the Megnut Bush is generally resilient, growers might encounter a few common challenges. Pests such as the filbertworm can bore into the nuts, and aphids may occasionally infest the foliage, though severe damage from aphids is less common. Squirrels pose the most significant threat to nut harvests, often collecting nuts before humans can. Protective measures like netting or early harvesting can help mitigate losses to wildlife.
Regarding diseases, Corylus cornuta shows good resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight, a more serious issue for European hazelnut varieties. However, it can still be susceptible to less common fungal issues like leaf spots or crown gall. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and occasional pruning can help prevent fungal problems.
Environmental stress can also manifest as problems. Insufficient sunlight can lead to poor nut production, while improper watering (either too much or too little) can cause yellowing leaves or a decline in plant vigor. Ensuring the plant is in its preferred growing conditions—adequate light, well-drained soil, and appropriate moisture levels—helps the Megnut Bush remain healthy and productive.