Common Name:

General Information

Corylus avellana pontica is a deciduous shrub or small tree
A variety of the hazel nutt, it is grown on a commercial scale in northern Turkey and the Caucasus for its large, sweet, edible seed[]. The plant is considered to be an economically important crop in Turkey[].
There is little information available about Corylus avellana pontica, and it is in need of further study. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - northern Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia

Habitat

Mixed woodland, streamsides etc in Turkey[], in the lower montane zone[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

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[, ].
Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or roasted and used in breads, cakes, biscuits, sweets etc[, ]. They can also be liquidized and used as a plant milk[]. Rich in oil. 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[].

A clear yellow edible oil is obtained from the seed[, , ]. It is used in salad dressings, baking etc.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[]. They need to be left untrimmed or only lightly trimmed if seed is required[].

Other Uses

The seed contains up to 65% of a non-drying oil, used in paints, cosmetics etc[, , , ]. The whole seed can be used to polish and oil wood[]. Very easy and effective[].

Wood - soft, easy to split, not very durable, beautifully veined. Used for inlay work, small items of furniture, hurdles, wattles, basketry, pea sticks etc[, , , , , , , ]. The branches of the hazel are extremely supple, and their pliancy renders them useful for various purposes, such as hoops for crates, etc[].
The wood also yields a good quality charcoal, used by artists[, ].

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[].
Layering in autumn. Easy, it takes about 6 months[, ].
Division of suckers in early spring. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.