Betulaceae
Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)
Corylus colurna
A hardy, low-maintenance shade tree. Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering only during its first year after planting. Once established, it tolerates drought, heat, harsh cold, and urban pollution.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
-30° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Turkish Hazel?
Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna) is a easy-care plant from the Betulaceae family. Corylus colurna, the Turkish hazel, is a large deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. Recognized for its symmetrical pyramidal form and outstanding tolerance to urban conditions, heat, cold, and drought, it produces edible hazelnuts enclosed in distinctive hairy husks.
Turkish Hazel grows up to 15.0m, spread of 900cm, watering every 14 days, -30°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Turkish Hazel tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Turkish Hazel is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Turkish Hazel?
TLDR: Turkish Hazel needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -30-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Turkish Hazel?
Water deeply during the first year to help the tree establish a strong root system. Afterward, it tolerates dry spells and only needs supplemental watering during prolonged droughts.
How Much Light Does Turkish Hazel Need?
Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct light) but tolerates partial shade. More light produces a denser canopy and better nut production.
What Is the Best Soil for Turkish Hazel?
Adaptable to sandy, clay, or loamy soils, but grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Turkish Hazel?
Not suitable for containers due to its mature size; plant directly in open ground with ample space.
What Is Turkish Hazel and Where Does It Come From?
Corylus colurna, the Turkish hazel, is a large deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. Recognized for its symmetrical pyramidal form and outstanding tolerance to urban conditions, heat, cold, and drought, it produces edible hazelnuts enclosed in distinctive hairy husks.
How to Propagate Turkish Hazel?
Propagation from seed
Seeds need cold stratification to break dormancy. Germination can be slow and uneven.
- 1 Collect ripe hazelnuts in fall
- 2 Cold-stratify the seeds for 3-4 months in moist substrate
- 3 Sow in pots or a nursery bed in early spring
- 4 Keep soil lightly moist until germination
Materials needed:
Semi-hardwood stem cuttings
Rooting success is naturally low; use a mist chamber or humidity dome to improve results.
- 1 Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- 2 Remove lower leaves and apply rooting hormone
- 3 Plant in well-drained substrate and keep humid
- 4 Transplant after rooting, usually the following spring
Materials needed:
How Big Does Turkish Hazel Grow?
TLDR: Turkish Hazel can reach up to 15.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
9.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- Edible hazelnuts
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Turkish Hazel?
TLDR: Turkish Hazel is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed voraciously on plant foliage, stems, flowers, and fruits. Common species include cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, armyworms, and cutworms. These pests can cause extensive damage by consuming large amounts of plant tissue in a short time. They vary in size from small (1/4 inch) to large (5 inches), with colors ranging from green to brown, often featuring stripes or spots. Caterpillars are highly mobile and can quickly spread throughout gardens, making them one of the most destructive common pests.
Meaning & Symbolism
In European folklore, the hazel tree has long been associated with wisdom, protection, and fertility.
Fun Facts
Can live over 100 years and reach up to 25 meters (80 feet) tall in ideal conditions.
One of the most urban-tolerant hazel species, widely planted as a street tree.
Its yellow male catkins appear in late winter, before the leaves emerge.
Frequently asked questions
Does Turkish hazel produce edible nuts?
How fast does Turkish hazel grow?
Is Turkish hazel toxic to dogs or cats?
What are the main problems affecting Turkish hazel?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
