Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of hazel native to western North America: Corylus cornuta is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the birch family (Betulaceae). It is characterized by its nuts, which are enclosed in a distinctive, long, tubular, beak-like husk (involucre).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The forest understory was dense with Corylus cornuta.
  • Birdwatchers noted that the nuthatches were feeding on the nuts of Corylus cornuta.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and ecological contexts: The term is used in scientific writing, field guides, and ecological studies to specify this particular species of hazel, often in contrast to the American hazel () or other related species.
  • The study focused on the seed dispersal mechanisms of Corylus cornuta.

Variants and Related Words

• Beaked hazel: The common name for .
  • Beaked hazel is commonly found in moist woodland areas.
• Hazelnut: A general term for the edible nut of hazel shrubs, including those from .
  • The hazelnuts from the beaked hazel are smaller but still edible.

Synonyms

• Beaked hazelnut: Another common name emphasizing the nut's distinctive husk.
• Western beaked hazel: A name specifying its geographic range.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is taxonomic, referring to a specific plant species. The defining feature is the "beaklike involucre," a husk that extends 2-4 cm beyond the nut, forming a pronounced "beak." This distinguishes it from other hazels with shorter or frilly husks.

Noun

1. hazel of western United States with conspicuous beaklike involucres on the nuts