Corylus avellana (F)
hazel
Large, deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, about 6m tall, with rounded mid-green leaves turning yellow in autumn, and yellow male catkins to 6cm long in early spring, followed by edible nuts in autumn
Other common names
cobnutcommon filbert
see moreEuropean hazelnut
hale nut
hazelnut
stock nut
wood nut
collen
Synonyms
Corylus avellana cobnut
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Corylus are deciduous trees and large shrubs with broad leaves, and showy male catkins in early spring, followed by edible nuts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, W Asia, N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, ideal for chalky soils. For more information see cobnuts and filberts
Propagation
Propagate by seed, layering or stooling or removing rooted suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Edible fruit
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 and Pruning group 7 - suitable for coppicing alternate years to keep height restricted
Pests
May be be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites, aphids and sawflies. Squirrels like to feed on the nuts
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, silver leaf and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.