Common Name: Chinese Trazel

General Information

Corylus x vilmorinii is a deciduous tree with a well developed main trunk; it can grow 20 metres or more tall
A tree of hybrid origin, unknown in the wild, it produces a large, edible seed and also has merit for growing as an ornamental, being especiall decorative in late winter[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, Corylus chinensis x Corylus avellana.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, but is in general more productive of seeds when grown on soils of moderate fertility[, ]. It does less well in rich heavy soils or poor ones[, ]. Does well in a loamy soil[]. Very suitable for an alkaline soil[], but it dislikes very acid soils[]. Plants are fairly wind tolerant[, ].
Corylus x vilmorinii is a tree of hybrid origin, unknown in the wild, that produces a large, edible seed and also has merit for growing as an ornamental[]. It is especially decorative in late winter when its long pendulous pale brown catkins (15cm or more long) can be borne in such profusion that they give the tree the appearance of being draped in curtains[]
Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large[].
This species is a hybrid of garden origin, produced by crossing Corylus chinensis with orylus. avellana. The Chinese parent contributes a characteristic rounded nut with a slightly thinner shell than Corylus colurna.
A relatively fast-growing species, it has become a robust, 6 metres tall specimen in 15 years from planting.
This species does not produce suckers.

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[]. Rich in oil. The seed is a depressed-globose nut around 20 - 25mm in diameter, produced in clusters of one to several[].
The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels[]. When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months[].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is harvested in autumn in a cold frame[]. Germinates in late winter or spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification[]. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or sheltered place outdoors for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[]. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed.
Layering in autumn. Easy, it takes about 6 months[, ].
Hardwood cuttings.