hazelnut, (genus Corylus), also called filbert, cobnut, or hazel, genus of about 15 species of shrubs and trees in the birch family (Betulaceae) and the edible nuts they produce. The plants are native to the north temperate zone.

Do hazelnuts come from hazel trees?

The hazelnut is the fruit of the hazel and therefore includes any of the nuts deriving from species of the genus Corylus, especially the nuts of the species Corylus avellana. They are also known as cobnuts or filberts according to species.

Do all hazel trees produce nuts?

All you need to know about hazel. ... When we speak of Hazel, we are generally referring to two species, Corylus avellana and Corylus maxima. The two species produce slightly different shaped nuts and take different growth forms. Corylus avellana produce Hazelnuts and Corylus maxima produce Filberts.