Common Name: Himalayan Hazel

General Information

Corylus ferox is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall with a bole up to 30cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.
Corylus ferox covers a wide geographic range and no threats to the species are known. 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 - central and southern China, Nepal, Bhutan, northeast India, northern Myanmar

Habitat

Thickets, mixed woodland margins and forests on mountain slopes; at elevations from 1,500 - 3,800 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
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 cooked[, , ]. Small with a thick shell, the seed tastes like the common filbert, Corylus maxima[, ].
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

The wood is soft and even grained[].

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.