Turkish Hazel
corylus colurna
Also known as: ["Turkish Filbert","Tree Hazel"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, known for its attractive foliage and edible nuts.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Genus: | Corylus |
| Botanical Name: | Corylus colurna |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, spacious areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates a range of soils but prefers fertile, deep soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring. Light pruning can be done anytime if necessary.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate for young trees to establish structure; light for mature trees to remove dead or crossing b
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Young trees benefit from partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Protect from intense midday sun; adjust light exposure gradually; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost in early spring; shield from intense summer sun; maintain consistent soil moisture in extreme temperatures.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is common, though slow. Grafting or layering can also be used for specific cultivars.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Seeds: collect, stratify, sow. Cuttings: take, apply hormone (optional), plant, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Seeds: stratify in winter, sow in early spring. Cuttings: take hardwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.
Environment
Warm (60–70°F), humid, and partially shaded conditions for cuttings. Seeds require cold stratification (30–60 days) before sowing.
Medium
Seedlings: well-drained soil mix. Cuttings: sandy soil or perlite mix with bottom heat.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds. Rooting hormone can aid cuttings but is not essential.
Timeline
Seeds: germination in 1–3 months after stratification. Cuttings: roots in 8–12 weeks, establishment in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, soil mix, plastic wrap or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Stratify seeds before sowing; use bottom heat for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture for germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above buds or branches. Remove crossing/rubbing branches and thin dense growth to improve light penetration.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove tree gently, prune roots if necessary, place in a larger pot with fresh soil mix, water thoroughly, and place in partial shade for recovery.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. Container-grown trees may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; prune roots if needed; water well after repotting; provide shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; avoid wetting foliage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the tree, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff, and continue until the soil is moist to a depth of 6–8 inches. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure. Incorporate sand or perlite for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf scorch, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, root damage, or dieback, especially in young or newly planted trees.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect young trees with burlap screens in harsh winters; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, reduced growth, and premature leaf drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Test soil before fertilizing; apply in early spring; use balanced fertilizer; water after application; avoid late-season fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply according to package instructions, avoiding over-fertilization. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCorylus colurna is not considered toxic to cats. The nuts are safe for consumption in moderation, and other parts of the plant do not pose significant risks.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCorylus colurna is not considered toxic to dogs. The nuts are safe for consumption in moderation, and other parts of the plant do not pose significant risks.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCorylus colurna, commonly known as Turkish hazel, is not considered toxic to humans. The nuts are edible and commonly consumed, while other parts of the plant do not pose significant toxicological risks.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the nuts of Corylus colurna edible?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked.
Q: How tall does Corylus colurna grow?
A: It can grow up to 25–30 meters (80–100 feet) tall.
Q: Is Corylus colurna suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is known for its tolerance to urban conditions and air pollution.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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