Corylus avellana (F)

RHS Plant Profile
hazel

Other common names

cobnut, common filbert, European hazelnut, hale nut, hazelnut, stock nut, wood nut, collen

Synonyms

Corylus avellana cobnut

Shrubs Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit
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 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