Hazelnut

Profile

Family

Betulaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

6 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

80 years

First yield

after 4 years

Hardiness

zone 4–8

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Synonyms

Hasel

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Seeds can be consumed raw or roasted in various foods like bread, cakes, cookies, and sweets. They are a nutritious option for raw consumption and can also be processed into plant milk due to their high oil content. The seeds mature in mid- to late autumn and may require protection from squirrels. When stored cool and unshelled, they can be kept for at least 12 months. These seeds yield a clear yellow oil suitable for culinary uses such as salad dressings and baking.

Other uses: The seed contains up to 65% of a non-drying oil utilized in various products like paints and cosmetics. It can also be used to polish and oil wood effectively, providing a lovely finish. Finely ground seeds are incorporated into facial masks and cosmetics. These plants can serve as tall hedges and should be minimally trimmed or left untouched when harvesting seeds. The bark and leaves are sources of tannins. The soft wood is ideal for inlay work, small furniture, hurdles, basketry, and more. Additionally, the twigs are employed as dowsing rods, and the wood yields high-quality charcoal favored by artists.

Growing

Prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with well-drained, humus-rich soils having neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Tolerates moderate moisture but avoids waterlogging. The plant produces vigorous suckers and should be planted with a spacing of about 4 to 6 meters to allow ample room for growth. Regular pruning encourages strong shoots and facilitates harvesting. It is frost-hardy and does not require special winter protection. Planting multiple cultivars is recommended for effective pollination, as hazel generally requires cross-pollination. Fertilization with organic matter in spring supports healthy growth. Susceptible to: Hazelnut gall mite (deformed buds), Hazelnut weevil (seed feeder), Powdery mildew.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown right after harvest in autumn in a cool environment. Germination typically happens in late winter or spring. Before planting, it's recommended to soak stored seeds in warm water for 48 hours, followed by a warm stratification period of 2 weeks and then a cold period of 3-4 months. Germination usually takes place within 1-6 months at a temperature of 20°C. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, they can be transferred to individual pots and grown in a cool environment or a sheltered outdoor area during the initial winter. By late spring or early summer, they should be planted in their permanent spot. Propagation through layering is a straightforward process that can be carried out in autumn and takes approximately 6 months. In spring, dividing the runners is a simple method, and they can be directly planted in their permanent location.

Value for wildlife

Hazel provides food for many insects, including pollen and leaves for various butterfly caterpillars and leafhoppers. Its nuts are an important food source for small mammals like squirrels and birds such as nuthatches and jays, which also help disperse the seeds. The plant offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other animals. Flowering in February and March makes it an early pollen source for bees.

Notable

Special features: +Wind-tolerant. Only the 1-year-old, weak shoots bear fruit. Flowers tolerate frosts down to -8°C. Yields (see above) are primarily produced by grafted varieties, often hybrids with, or especially with, Corylus maxima (Hazel) in sun! Also grafted onto tree hazel → no coppicing; Legends + Magical forest builder & nature connector.

Origin & habitat

Europe, from Norway to Spain and extending east to Western Asia.

Under rocks, in forests, and bushes on warm, arid terrain.

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