Turkish Hazel

Also known as the Constantinople hazel, Corylus colurna is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a stately, symmetrical, pyramidal habit, more narrowly columnar when young. The bark becomes corky with age and sometimes peels away. The broad, green, oval leaves have a serrated edge, and turn a rich yellow before leaf-fall. Yellow catkins 3 ½”/8cm long appear in early spring. In autumn, edible hazelnuts with a deeply fringed husk rather like a sweet chestnut case, are borne on the tree, and are very attractive to squirrels. Turkish hazel holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It is a good urban street-tree, as it tolerates paving, and, unlike lime, does not drop sticky honeydew.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, especially spring and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: up to 20’ (6m)  Spread: 13’ (4m) in 20 years