VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Corylus cornuta var. californica | California Hazel 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 



IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
In some localities, California hazel is browsed extensively by livestock
and wildlife; in others it is scarcely used.  Utilization depends on the
relative palatability and abundance of associated vegetation in a given
area [22,28].  In California, it is considered of slight importance as
browse for mule deer [28].  In western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)-red
alder (Alnus rubra) forests in Oregon and Washington, it provides good
big game browse [3].  Birds consume the buds and catkins [12].

Nuts of California hazel are a staple food of the Steller's Jay,
chickaree, Townsend's chipmunk, Allen's chipmunk, golden-mantled
squirrel, and digger squirrel [28].


PALATABILITY : 
The palatability of California hazel ranges from fair to poor for most
livestock and wildlife species [22,26].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
California hazel is valuable as a soil binder on steep slopes [26].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
The edible nuts of California hazel have a sweet flavor and are commonly
collected [26].  The glandular hairs (spiculae) on the nut husk
(involucre) have been used as a remedy for parasitic intestinal worms
[26].  Native peoples used the slender 1- and 2-year-old twigs for
basket making [26].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Beaked hazel has long been recognized as a major deterrent to the
successful regeneration of upland conifers [7].  Heavilin [14], however,
reported that California hazel shrubs up to 16 feet tall did not appear
to deter succsessful establishment and growth of Douglas-fir
(Psuedotsuga menziesii) seedlings planted under them.

Chemical application is an effective method for control of California
hazel.  Most herbicidal applications to this shrub result in good
top-kill; resulting root sprouts are less than one-third of the original
plant height after two growing seasons [24].

Heavy browsing by deer can stimulate beaked hazel to produce basal
sprouts or suckers.  A 1952 clipping experiment produced similar results
[12].  Total twig production was increased for 3 years under heavy
clipping, but thereafter began to decline.  Light clipping had little
impact on growth [12].  The response of California hazel to clipping
would probably be similar to that of beaked hazel.  California hazel,
however, does not have the ability to sprout from lateral root suckers.

Related categories for Species: Corylus cornuta var. californica | California Hazel