Common Name: Turkish Hazel

General Information

Corylus colurna is a deciduous tree that can grow 20 metres or more tall. The bole can reach 60cm or more in diameter[]. In regions with hot summers and cold winters the tree often develops a short trunk with large bottom branches springing from near the base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is an important commercial species, grown for its edible seed[]. The plant is also a useful amenity tree and helpful in binding soil to prevent erosion[].
Corylus colurna has a wide distribution. Although the population in Russia is reported to be declining, there
are no major threats impacting this species across its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southeastern Europe to W. Asia - .Balkans and Romania, through Greece and Turkey to the Caucasus and northern Iran

Habitat

Shady mixed forests; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,800 metres in E. Asia[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Corylus colurna is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant. It prefers a continental climate with its hot summers, cold winters and usually a clear movement from one season to another[].
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[]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 7.3. Once established, this is a very drought resistant tree[]. It does not produce suckers[]. Plants are fairly wind tolerant[, ].
The Turkish hazel is occasionally cultivated for its edible seed[, , ]. This species is also useful in hybridizing with Corylus avellana in order to develop superior fruiting cultivars[].
A fast-growing tree[].
A very ornamental tree with amenity value[, ].
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. As nice a flavour as Corylus avellana, the common hazel nut[, ]. The nuts are closely clustered in groups of three or more, each nut is around 12 - 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.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree's root system is helpful in binding soils and preventing erosion[].

Other Uses

The pinkish-brown wood is firm, moderately hard and durable. Of fine quality, it can be used for cabinet making, furniture, turnery etc. The decorative roots can be used for inlay work and veneers[, ].

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[, ].