Tree hazel

Profile

Family

Betulaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

20 m

Spread

7 m

Growth

slow

Lifespan

120 years

First yield

after 7 years

Hardiness

zone 5–7

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

6 – 9

Synonyms

Haselbaum,

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 cooked and are high in oil content, with a pleasant taste resembling hazelnuts. They mature in the fall and need protection from squirrels. When stored unpeeled in a cool location, they can last for a minimum of 12 months and are utilized for making edible oil.

Medicinal: The tuber of C. yanhusuo possesses antispasmodic, hallucinogenic, and heart rate-reducing qualities. Harvested in spring before flowering, it is dried for use. Caution is advised when using the plant, especially for treating Parkinson's disease and neurological disorders. In Sweden, the plant is grown for medicinal purposes, with limited information available. Traditionally, the tuber is known for pain relief, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, it has antiseptic properties and is applied in treating diverse conditions.

Other uses: Wood is a sturdy and long-lasting material, moderately hard, commonly utilized for furniture making and turning objects.

Growing

A tree that is easy to cultivate and grows well in most soils, particularly in medium-fertile ones. It does not thrive in rich, heavy, or poor soils, but it adapts to clay and alkaline soils while disliking very acidic ones. It can withstand a pH level between 5.3 and 7.3, shows high drought resistance once established, and does not produce root suckers. The tree is moderately wind-resistant. The Turkish hazelnut tree is sometimes grown for its edible seeds and is valuable for breeding improved fruit varieties when hybridized with common hazelnut trees. Trees of this type can be successfully transplanted, even when mature, and are considered highly decorative.

Propagation

Seeds are ideally planted right after harvesting in autumn in a cool environment. Germination usually takes place in late winter or spring. To prepare stored seeds, they should be soaked in warm water for 48 hours, then stratified in warm water for 2 weeks followed by cold water for 3-4 months. Germination typically happens within 1-6 months at a temperature of 20°C. Once the seedlings reach a sufficient size, they can be transferred to individual pots and cultivated in a cool environment or a sheltered outdoor area during the initial winter. The permanent planting should be done in late spring or early summer. Propagation through layering is also possible in autumn, which is a straightforward process lasting around 6 months.

Notable

Special features: wind+drought+pollutant-resistant → good street tree, difficult to transplant; easy to weave for natural structures; in Bremen, there is a hazel tree planted in 1802 (12 m tall); initially rapid growth: 60 cm per year, later 35 cm; see also the hazel tree house by Konstantin Kirsch (www.naturbauten.org)

Origin & habitat

Southeast Europe to Western Asia.

Dry, arid hillsides The arid hillsides, although barren, exhibit a distinctive charm. The vegetation thriving in this environment has adeptly adjusted to the harsh conditions, forming an intriguing scenery.

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