Native Habitat:
Open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian areas across North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a range of conditions.
 
Bloom Time:
February – April
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Deciduous shrub, typically 6–12 feet tall and wide, with multi-stemmed branching and rounded leaves. Produces yellow catkins in late winter to early spring and distinctive beaked nuts in late summer.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates occasional drought once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Festuca roemeri, Sidalcea campestris.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides year-round structure, seasonal flowers, and edible nuts in urban gardens, naturalized landscapes, and riparian plantings. Works well as a specimen shrub, layered with other native perennials, or in habitat corridors to provide cover and vertical structure.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract early-season native bees. Nuts are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and other wildlife. Dense branching provides shelter and nesting habitat for small birds and insects.
 
Historical Use:
Nuts were consumed by Indigenous peoples as a food source. Wood and branches were used for tools, weaving, and firewood.