Lewis Filbert Hazelnut Tree

Lewis Filbert Hazelnut is one of the most impressive small-space hazelnut varieties available — developed by Oregon State University in 1997 and proven to outproduce the much larger Barcelona hazelnut despite its compact size. Clusters of 3–4 nuts ripen early-to-mid August in a tree that grows to just 10–15 feet, bringing an early harvest, exceptional flavor, and dual resistance to eastern filbert blight and big bud mite that makes it one of the most reliable and low-maintenance hazelnut choices for home orchards in Zones 5–8. The soft, fuzzy foliage adds genuine ornamental appeal through the growing season.

Outproduces Barcelona at Half the Size

Lewis’s productivity is its most remarkable quality. Despite reaching only 10–15 feet at maturity — significantly more compact than Barcelona and most other standard hazelnut varieties — Lewis consistently surpasses larger varieties in nut production. For home orchardists with limited space who want maximum hazelnut yield from a manageable tree, Lewis is the clear answer.

Dual Resistance — Eastern Filbert Blight and Big Bud Mite

Eastern filbert blight is the most serious disease affecting hazelnut trees in North America, and big bud mite is one of the most damaging pests. Lewis’s resistance to both simultaneously is genuinely exceptional — reducing the disease and pest management burden that makes growing hazelnuts challenging in susceptible varieties. For home growers who want quality hazelnuts without intensive spray programs, that dual protection translates directly into more reliable and more enjoyable growing.

Early August Harvest — Exceptional Flavor

Lewis ripens early-to-mid August, ahead of many other hazelnut varieties, with clusters of 3–4 medium-to-large nuts per cluster. The flavor is exquisite — rich, buttery, and distinctively hazelnut — and versatile across every use. Toast them to deepen the flavor for homemade nut butters and spreads, use them in baking and desserts, or enjoy them fresh from the tree. The soft, fuzzy foliage makes Lewis a genuinely attractive ornamental tree through the entire growing season as well.

Why Growers Choose Lewis

• Outproduces Barcelona at half the size — ideal for small-space hazelnut growing
• Developed by Oregon State University, 1997 — proven through institutional breeding
• Dual resistance — eastern filbert blight and big bud mite
• Early August harvest — ahead of most hazelnut varieties
• Clusters of 3–4 nuts — abundant, accessible harvests
• Ornamental soft fuzzy foliage — attractive landscape presence all season