Corylus cornuta ssp. californica

The ?early emergence of elegant, pendant chains of tiny flowers... gives charm and ornamental value? (Kruckeberg) to this large spreading shrub; also loved by squirrels (or anyone who can beat them!) for edible nuts. S-PSh/M

This deciduous shrub (to small tree) grows 5-15? tall by wide and is a good choice amongst small trees to create a "woodland" effect in small gardens, especially underneath conifers. In the wild, it is found along damp slopes and stream banks. This species grows with a spreading, airy habit forming multi-trunked, open specimens with bark that is smooth, gray, and quite attractive. Easy to prune, head, and thin as needed. Winter deciduous with ornamental dangling male catkins in late winter. Autumn leaves make a rich mulch. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. New vegetation is a food source for many browsing mammals and the seeds are eaten by several bird species. Native Americans prepared and ate the nuts, pounded into cakes with berries, meat, or animal fat, or boiled the nuts to extract their oil for flavoring. Its wood was used for baskets, baby carriers, arrows, fishing traps, hooks, and spoons, and its shoots were used for rope. Found in streambanks and slopes. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 7000 feet.