Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna)
Corylus colurna, the Turkish hazel, is a robust, low-maintenance shade tree growing 40-80 ft tall, offering tolerable urban growth and edible nuts.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Corylus colurna, widely known as Turkish hazel or Turkish filbert, stands out as a splendid, pyramidal deciduous tree ideal for larger landscapes and challenging urban environments. Valued for its reliable structure and minimal maintenance needs, this species provides substantial vertical interest without the high demands often associated with ornamental trees. It establishes a strong presence with dense branching and striking bark texture as it matures.
Native to Southeastern Europe and western Asia, Corylus colurna handles a wide variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in USDA Zones 4 through 7. While it features unassuming spring flowers, it compensates with attractive, hairy-husked nuts, prized by wildlife and sometimes harvested for culinary use.
This tree’s toughness—demonstrated by its tolerance for average soils and drought once established—makes the Corylus colurna a practical investment for providing long-term shade and structure in residential or municipal settings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Betulaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, western Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 40-80 ft
- Spread: 30-50 ft
- Bloom Time: March
- Bloom Description: Yellow (male)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting the Turkish hazel is best done when dormant, typically in early spring or fall, ensuring the roots have time to establish before extreme weather hits. Select a location that receives full sun for the best performance, although it tolerates part shade. The ideal substrate is acidic, organically rich, and consistently moist, but crucially, it must be well-drained. Avoid heavy clay soils that are not adequately amended to prevent waterlogging.
Watering newly planted Corylus colurna must be consistent; maintain medium soil moisture until the root system is fully developed in the landscape. Established trees exhibit good drought tolerance, reducing ongoing irrigation needs. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is inherently rich, but if growth is sluggish, a balanced feed in early spring can be beneficial.
Pruning needs are generally low. Focus on removing weak or crossing branches during dormancy to maintain the attractive pyramidal shape, or address suckering from the base as it appears. Because this species handles urban conditions well, specific winter preparation is rarely required outside of heavy snow loading protection for young limbs.
Landscape Uses
The Turkish hazel excels as an attractive specimen planted prominently on residential lawns, providing excellent vertical accent and eventual shade canopy. Its robust nature makes it highly recommended as a durable street tree, provided the minor issue of nut litter is not a concern for pedestrian areas. For a more naturalized look, plant large groupings where their spreading canopy can develop freely.
When selecting companions, choose other low-maintenance, specimen-quality trees that thrive in full sun and similar soil types, perhaps contrasting their dense summer foliage with the finer texture of certain conifers. In structured garden settings, plant Corylus colurna where its eventual height and spread are accounted for, ensuring surrounding shrubs or smaller trees offer seasonal contrast without competing for sunlight.
Because of its tolerance for heat and drought once mature, the Turkish hazel integrates well into xeriscaping or low-input landscape designs where resource conservation is a priority. Consider its bark qualities—the corky, mottled tan to gray surface—as a feature for winter interest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Corylus colurna, commonly called Turkish hazel or Turkish filbert, is native from southeastern Europe to western Asia. It is a pyramidal deciduous tree that grows to 40-50’ (less frequently to 80’) tall. The trunk is short with dense, horizontal, low branching. Double-toothed, broad ovate to obovate, semi-glossy, bright green leaves (to 5” long) have hair on the veins beneath. The corky, mottled, tan to gray bark on mature trunks may flake to reveal an orange-brown inner bark. Edible nuts appear in clusters of 3-6 with spiny and hairy involucre husks covering and extending beyond each nut.
Tolerances
- Tolerant of urban conditions
Potential Problems
This tree enjoys a clean health profile, reporting no serious insect or disease problems. Such low susceptibility significantly contributes to its low maintenance ranking in the landscape.
Because pest pressure is minimal, monitoring for secondary issues, such as environmental stress presenting as leaf scorch or premature leaf drop, is often more important than treating specific infestations. Ensure proper planting depth and adequate initial watering to prevent stress-related decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Turkish hazel suitable for?
Turkish hazel is suitable for gardeners located in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7.
How large does Corylus colurna grow?
This tree typically reaches heights between 40 and 80 feet, with a spread ranging from 30 to 50 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Corylus colurna need?
For optimal growth, Corylus colurna prefers a location receiving full sun, although it tolerates partial shade conditions as well.
When does Turkish hazel bloom?
The bloom time for Turkish hazel is in March, characterized primarily by its yellow male catkins.
Conclusion
The Corylus colurna remains an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking a tough, medium-to-large shade provider adaptable to difficult sites. Its unique bark, tolerance for urban stress, and production of edible nuts solidify the value of the Turkish hazel in contemporary landscapes. Before planting, confirm your site falls within Zones 4-7 and plan for ample space to accommodate its mature 80-foot potential.
Companion Planting Guide
When planning plantings around Corylus colurna, consider species that share similar moisture and sun requirements: medium water needs and tolerance for full sun to light shade. Look for understory trees or large shrubs that appreciate well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Good pairings would include other robust native species that can handle the eventual root competition from the large hazel.
For textural contrast beneath the canopy, consider shade-tolerant herbaceous perennials. Since the Turkish hazel will eventually cast dense shade, select plants that thrive with limited direct sunlight once the canopy matures. Avoid shallow-rooted annuals immediately next to the trunk, as the hazel’s roots will quickly dominate the upper soil layers.
If utilizing the Turkish hazel as a street tree replacement, companion planting might involve installing non-competing, durable groundcovers near the sidewalk edge to manage nut litter aesthetics during the fall season.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring (March - May): This is the time to observe the male catkins appearing in March, providing early color before leaf-out. If necessary, apply a slow-release fertilizer early in this season. Monitor newly planted trees closely for the return of consistent moisture requirements.
Summer (June - August): Water thoroughly but infrequently for established trees, checking soil moisture a few inches down to ensure the medium level is being met. The dense foliage of the Corylus colurna provides excellent heat relief during this period. Pruning of any errant suckers should be done as they appear.
Fall (September - November): Leaf color is typically unexciting yellow shades before dropping. Begin planning where to locate any future plantings, as fall is an excellent time to plant new trees. Prepare to manage the eventual harvest or clean-up of the edible nuts.
Winter (December - February): The tree is fully dormant, showcasing its branching structure and the interesting texture of its corky bark. Minimal maintenance is required unless heavy ice or snow accumulation threatens young limbs.
