Common Name: Chinese Hazel

General Information

Corylus chinensis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 metres tall[]
The plant is a locally important source of food and also provides a good quality timber.
Corylus chinensis has a wide distribution and is not reported to be currently experiencing declines or threats.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern central China (Gansu, Guizhou, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan)

Habitat

Shady mixed forests[]. Forests on moist mountain slopes; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	24.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Corylus chinensis is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant.
Older trees grow best in full sun or light shade, though young specimens are more shade tolerant[]. 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[, ].
Once established, this species is drought resistant[]. It does not produce suckers[].
A very ornamental tree[], it is closely allied to Corylus colurna[]. It has become very rare in China where it is considered to be at risk of extintion[].
The plant has a well-developed root system, it grows fast and regenerates well in open forests[].
Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Rich in oil. A shrub at Kew was 2 metres tall and 2 metres wide in July 1996 with a reasonable crop of immature fruit[]. The ovoid-globose seeds are around 10 - 15mm in diameter[].
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,

The leaves are used to make a tea[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is fast-growing and tolerant of positions in full sunlight. It is used in reforestation projects within its local range[].

Other Uses

A good quality timber[]. It is used in the production of furniture and for construction[]
The wood is also collected for fuel[].

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.