Corylus colurna (Tree Hazel Nut, Turkish Filbert, Turkish Hazelnut)

Corylus colurna (Tree Hazel Nut, Turkish Filbert, Turkish Hazelnut) is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, including Turkey and the Balkans. It is known for its attractive, broadly columnar growth habit and the production of edible nuts.  

Appearance: Turkish Filbert is a medium to large-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) or more. It has a distinctive, broadly columnar or oval shape with a straight trunk and ascending branches.

Leaves: The leaves are simple, alternate, and broadly heart-shaped with serrated margins. They are medium green in color during the growing season and may turn yellow to orange in the fall, providing seasonal color.

Flowers: In late winter to early spring, Turkish Filbert produces pendulous, yellowish-green catkins. These catkins contain both male and female flowers. The tree is wind-pollinated.

Fruit: After successful pollination, Turkish Filbert produces small, edible nuts enclosed in a hard, woody shell or husk. The nuts are similar in flavor to other hazelnut species and are prized for their sweet, nutty taste.

Habitat: Turkish Filbert is often found in woodlands, forested areas, and along riverbanks in its native range. It prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to a variety of soil types.

Growth Requirements: This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

Cultural Use: Turkish Filbert is valued for its edible nuts, which are similar in flavor to European hazelnuts. The nuts can be harvested for consumption or used in baking and cooking. The tree can also be grown for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.

Maintenance: Pruning can be done to shape the tree and remove dead or crowded branches. Proper care helps maintain its health and appearance.

Wildlife: Turkish Filbert provides food for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The nuts are an important food source for various species.

Cultivars: There are cultivars of Turkish Filbert available that may have improved nut production or other desirable traits. Some of these cultivars are developed for commercial nut production.

Turkish Filbert is appreciated for its edible nuts and its attractive growth habit. It can be a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes, providing both ornamental and culinary benefits. If you wish to harvest the nuts for human consumption, consider planting multiple trees to ensure successful pollination, as Turkish Filbert is wind-pollinated and may benefit from cross-pollination with other trees of the same species or related species.