Arbre urbain pyramidal, rustique et comestible

Turkish Hazel

Corylus colurna

The Turkish hazel is a large, Zone 4 shade tree with a regular pyramidal habit and a single trunk. It tolerates heat, wind, pollution, and drought once established, making it an excellent choice for a large property or well-drained urban landscape. Its catkins hang from the branches in early spring, and then edible hazelnuts ripen in heavily fringed husks. Expect a height of approximately 12 to 18 m (39 to 59 ft) and a width of 7.5 to 12 m (25 to 39 ft). For best results, regularly monitor the soil and crown.
Tree, 200 cm (79 in)
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Quantity
Tree, 200 cm (79 in)
Exposure
Full sun; light partial shade tolerated
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameTurkish hazel; Byzantine hazel
FamilyBetulaceae
GenusHazel
Speciescolurna
TypeLarge deciduous shade tree
Botanical nameCorylus colurna

The Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna) is a large, single-trunked deciduous tree known for its dense, pyramidal crown, strong central leader, and remarkable adaptability to urban environments. Its dark green foliage turns yellow, sometimes purplish, before falling. Long male catkins hang from the branches in late winter or early spring. Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, this tree, introduced to Canada, provides generous shade and a neat silhouette. Expect it to reach approximately 12 to 18 m (39 to 59 ft) in height and 7.5 to 12 m (25 to 39 ft) in width.

Plant the Turkish hazelnut in full sun in deep, well-drained soil, preferably loamy. However, it tolerates clay, sand, and a wide pH range, including alkaline soils. Water deeply during the first few years, as drought tolerance appears mainly after establishment. Once rooted, it tolerates heat, wind, air pollution, and several urban stresses. Avoid constantly waterlogged soils, road salt, and bare-root transplantation. Instead, plant a young specimen in a root ball or container in the spring, in its definitive location, then protect the root collar and root zone.

The fruit appears in clusters within deeply cut husks and ripens in late summer or early fall. The small hazelnuts are edible and sweet, but their thick, hard shell requires a good nutcracker; the species is therefore cultivated mainly as an ornamental and shade tree. A second, compatible hazelnut variety nearby generally promotes better fruit set, as hazelnuts are self-incompatible and wind-pollinated. Squirrels and other small mammals also enjoy the nuts. Maintenance remains low after establishment, but monitor for Japanese beetles, hazelnut blight, and any unusual dieback.

Noisetier de Byzance mature au tronc droit et à la couronne dense, largement pyramidale, portant des feuilles vert foncé dentées et des grappes de noisettes dans des enveloppes très frangées. L’écorce gris brun devient écailleuse avec l’âge. Cette vue présente <em>Corylus colurna</em>, arbre d’ombrage de Zone 4 atteignant environ 12 à 18 m de hauteur sur 7,5 à 12 m de largeur (39 à 59 pi × 25 à 39 pi).

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density Allow 7.5 to 12 m (25 to 39 ft) of width at maturity
Best planting time Spring, with a plant in a container or in a root ball
Propagation Sowing or cuttings; plant young to reduce transplant stress

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to alkaline; around 5.0 to 8.0

Minimum temperature

'-34°C

Care level

Low after establishment; moderate during the first years

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then regularly for the first two to three years to moisten the entire root ball. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings, but do not let it dry out completely. Once established, the tree toler tolerates dry periods well but benefits from slow watering during prolonged drought. Avoid daily shallow watering and standing water. A wide circle of mulch reduces evaporation and protects the soil from compaction.

Soil type

Choose a deep, fertile, well-drained soil, ideally loamy. Turkish hazel also tolerates clay or sand and a pH range from acidic to alkaline, approximately 5.0 to 8.0. Place the root collar at ground level and loosen a wide area without significantly disturbing the root ball. Avoid standing water, road salt, backfill, and compaction. A 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) layer of mulch, kept away from the trunk, helps retain moisture during establishment.

Fertilization

Slow-release fertilizer 14-7-14 or 4-2-8. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Add Myke at planting.

Moisture

Average; essential drainage

Seasonal care

In spring, plant a young specimen in a container or root ball, ensure the root collar remains visible, and only prune dead or broken wood. Water deeply before hot periods and replenish mulch without piling it against the trunk. In summer, maintain regular moisture during establishment, inspect foliage for Japanese beetles, and avoid mower damage. In autumn, collect hulls and nuts from pathways, but leave some in a natural area for squirrels. Continue watering until frost if the weather remains dry. In winter, protect the young trunk from rodents, salt, and snow removal equipment. Perform structural pruning during dormancy to maintain a strong central leader. Do not relocate an established tree or dig deeply under the crown. Consult an arborist for cankers, significant defoliation, extensive deadwood, or rapid decline. For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown. This attention promotes long-term establishment. For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown. This attention promotes long-term establishment. For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown. This attention promotes long-term establishment. For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown. This attention promotes long-term establishment. For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Temporary nursery container only; plant in the ground
Permanent pot culture is not recommended for this large tree. Keep a young specimen temporarily in its nursery container only until planting. Keep the root ball cool, protect it from the wind, and plant the tree quickly in deep soil. A Turkish hazel becomes too large for a patio and does not tolerate repeated transplanting well. Therefore, prepare the final location before purchase and plan for its adult height and width.
Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

10 to 12 m (33 to 39 ft)

Width / spread

4 m (13 feet)

Flower color

Non-ornamental

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Growth rate

average

Growth habit

Pyramidal and dense with a central leader; crown broader with age

Fragrance

Nuts with a mild flavor; flowers with no noticeable fragrance

Bloom period

Long, greenish-yellow male catkins hang from the branches in late winter or early spring. The small female flowers are inconspicuous and display reddish styles. Wind carries the pollen long before the leaves fully emerge. Flowering offers seasonal interest but little nectar for pollinators. Another compatible hazelnut variety located nearby promotes better fruit set, as hazelnuts are generally self-incompatible.

Fruiting

Small edible nuts with very hard shells, grouped in deeply fringed husks For best results, regularly observe the soil and crown. This attention promotes sustainable establishment.

Harvest

Late summer to early fall, when the husks turn brown and drop

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Hazelnuts mainly feed squirrels and other small mammals. The dense branches provide shelter and resting sites for birds. The wind-pollinated flowers provide pollen but little nectar. Keep some fruit in a natural area and avoid unnecessary insecticide treatments; however, collect the shells and husks from high-traffic areas.