Common Name: Siberian Filbert

General Information

Corylus heterophylla is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 7 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. The plant is cultivated on a large scale, especially in China and Korea, for its edible seeds which are sold locally and also exported[].
Corylus heterophylla has a wide distribution, grows on a variety of soils and can tolerate stressful climatic conditions. Based on its wide native range, outcrossing nature, and adaptation to different soils and climatic conditions, it is thought that considerable genetic diversity exists in the species. There are no reported threats impacting this species across its range and the species is found in ex situ collections and protected areas. 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 - Mongolia, southeastern Siberia, Russian Far East, eastern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Warm light slopes, growing in open forests, along forest edges, on scree slopes, on hills that have been subject to deforestation, in dry river valleys, and in vast thickets on mountain slopes; at elevations up to 2,770 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Corylus heterophylla is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant.
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[, ].
This species is cultivated in Asia for its edible seed[] but it is of little value as a nut bearer in Britain[].
This species is closely related to Corylus avellana[].
Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, , , ]. The seed, which has a hard shell, is of relatively good flavour[]. Rich in oil. The ovoid-globose seeds are usually solitary or produced in pairs, they are around 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

The seed is digestive and appetizer[].

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[].
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.