Corylus avellana, Filbert
Family: Corylaceae

The hazelnut or filbert is grown commercially for the edible nut, although some of these trees, particularly those from Europe and western Asia, are grown as ornamentals, hedges or windbreaks. The highly nutritious nut has a smooth amber shell and is about half the size of a walnut. Hazelnuts are used to make a sweet spread and are also used in chocolate making. Corylus avellana and the cultivars grow to around 4 m (13 ft) in height. They are decidu­ous, monoecious shrubs or small trees, native to northern temperate zones with cooler cli­mates. The cultivar 'Purpurea' has purplish bronze foliage; 'Aurea' has golden foliage; 'Contorta', with its attractive twisted branches, may be used for bonsai. The twisted stems are often used in floral work. The nuts are borne in terminal clusters. A number of cultivars have been produced specifically for their nuts and these are preferable to the straight species.

Cultivation

Hazelnuts will grow on almost any soil, providing it is deep and well drained. Propagate from seed, from suckers or by layer­ing. Plant in the early winter. It is best to plant several varieties to be sure of achieving better pollination. Not much pruning is required, except for the removal of inside wood, low branches, weak stems and dead wood. Well-grown trees or bushes take about five or six years to produce nuts and they will gradually increase their production with age. The nuts must be left on the tree until they are quite ripe. Frequent picking is necessary to prevent the brown-coloured nuts from becoming discoloured. Store them in bags, only after the fruit has com­pletely dried, in a place which has a quite humid atmosphere.

Climate

Zone 4.