corylus
( kor - ee - lus )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of deciduous trees and shrubs need full sun to partial shade and regular water. They are commonly called Filbert or Hazelnut, and have round to oval toothed leaves. Flowers bloom in very early springtime, before leaves appear on branches. Fruits produced by these plants are called Hazelnuts, and are partially surrounded in a protective husk.
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corylus Species and Varietals
The genus Corylus includes 14 species, and is generally considered a member of the plant family Betulaceae, though some botanical systems place it under the proposed plant family Corylaceae. Corylus shrubs and trees grow best in zones 2-9 and 14-20, but this varies depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Corylus americana (American Hazel, American Hazelnut) This species of deciduous shrubs is native to the eastern and central United States and southern-central Canada. These plants reach between 8 and 16 feet tall and spread out to between 10 and 15 feet. These are often multi-trunked, but can be pruned to be single-trunked and look more like small trees. These shrubs are spreaders, sending up suckers from underground rhizomes. Small mature nuts are edible, ready for harvesting in July through October. Full sun to partial shade is recommended, though production is better in full sun exposure. |
Corylus avellana (European Filbert, Common Hazelnut, Common Hazel)
This shrub reaches 10-15 feet tall and just as wide, and is commercially grown to harvest its nuts. These shrubs are classic hedgerow plants and have been used historically as live agricultural fencing. The species is generally seen between 10 and 26 feet tall, though individual specimens can reach upwards of 50 feet tall. There are many varieties; the most popular are listed below:
This shrub reaches 10-15 feet tall and just as wide, and is commercially grown to harvest its nuts. These shrubs are classic hedgerow plants and have been used historically as live agricultural fencing. The species is generally seen between 10 and 26 feet tall, though individual specimens can reach upwards of 50 feet tall. There are many varieties; the most popular are listed below:
'Contorta'
(Harry Lauder's Walking Stick) This shrub reaches 8-10 feet tall and as wide. Branches are twisting and gnarled, used frequently for flower arrangements. Almost always grafted. |
'Fuscorubra' ('Atropurpurea')
10-15 feet tall and wide, with reddish-purple foliage. |
'Red Dragon'
New growth is red, fading to green. Contorted branches. |
Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel, Turkish Filbert) This deciduous species is grown as a tree, and is native to southeastern Europe to western Asia. Turkish Hazel is best in zones 2b-9 and 14-20, and reaches 40-50 feet with a pyramidal shape. This species can be grown as a single or multitrunked tree with flaking, mottled bark. The tree produces small edible nuts and is best in places that experience hot summers and cold winters. Drought-tolerant once established. |
Corylus cornuta californica (Western Hazelnut, Western Beaked Hazel) This shrub is native to damp slopes in mountainous areas of California to British Columbia. It is a multi-stemmed shrub that reaches 5-12 feet tall and wide. Leaves are roundish, toothed and hairy, turning bright yellow in fall. Nuts produced are small with flavorful kernels, and clothed in a leafy husk. |
Caring for and pruning Name Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 265 - 266, Corylus
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