'The Beast' ™ is the result of a C. americana X C. avellana hybrid which was then back-crossed to C. avellana. This plant demonstrates resistance to EFB (through the 'Rush' gene). It's vigorous with an upright form and a slightly spreading growth habit. Suggested to be used as a pollinizer, but this tree does have consistent high yields. Comes in a 2 gallon pot, plant is 1-3ft.
Yield: High-yielding
Nuts: Small (9-11mm), round, and ~44% kernel by weight. Nuts have a fibrous pellicle that sheds easily after roasting.
Bloom time: Early to mid-season in NJ
Nut abscission (when they fall to the ground): First half of September
Compatible pollinizers: ‘Monmouth’, ‘Raritan', 'Somerset', 'Hunterdon', ‘Slate’, ‘Gene’, and ‘Grand Traverse’.
**It is important to note that 'The Beast' ™ is able to provide pollen for all of the above cultivars, as well.**
Works cited: E368: Choosing Plants for a Hazelnut Orchard in New Jersey (Rutgers NJAES). (n.d.). Njaes.rutgers.edu. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/e368/
Photos courtesy of Dr. Tom Molnar