This journey has been magical from the start. It started as a Butterfly project and has evolved into Permaculture Homesteading. One of the very first steps is learning what surrounds you. If you are lucky enough to have California Hazel Nut shrubs, go buy a lotto ticket! Also known as the Western Beaked Hazel, Western Hazel, Beaked Hazel. Latin name Corylus Cornuta variety Californica. They are one of the most valuable producing bushes in your landscape. The nuts, husks, and wood is all valuable.
I am lucky enough to have my wonderful neighbor MaryAnn teach me what is here on The Butterfly Hill. One of the very first things she pointed out was several of what I thought were trees. But actually are multi-stemmed bushes or shrubs which will grow 8 to 12 feet tall. They have serrated edges and furry leaves. The branches are long and light which allows them to float in the breeze. There are several stems of branches and will throw new shoots every spring. They feel so light and airy, so its really amazing that they produce Hazel Nuts!. The nuts are ready early at midsummer and are coveted by your local squirrels. Many people I have spoken to say they have never seen a Hazel Nut on their trees. This is because you usually harvest in the fall. If you do forage for Hazel Nuts in the wild, please remember to only take a third of the nuts, as many local critters depend on these most nutritious nuts. You can eat them raw or cooked. They are so delicious, none of ours have been cooked yet! You can make nut butter and gluten-free flour from the nuts. Try roasting them and add to coffee in the grinder!
Medicinal uses include using the bark of the Hazelnut crushed and used as a poultice for cuts, boils, and open sores. The husks burn hot and have been used for centuries for fuel.
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