How to Grow, Propagate, Use, Eat, and Harvest Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)

A Comprehensive Guide to the Balkan’s Iconic Tree-Nut Species

Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), also known as the Bosnian hazel or tree hazel, is one of the most distinctive members of the hazelnut family. Unlike the more familiar shrub-forming hazelnuts, Turkish hazel grows into a stately, columnar tree, often reaching 15–25 meters (50–80 feet) with a striking pyramidal crown. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this species produces edible nuts and has emerging value in culinary gardens, sustainable landscaping, and climate-resilient orchards.

Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast, urban gardener, permaculture grower, or nut-loving foodie, this guide breaks down everything needed to cultivate, propagate, and enjoy Turkish hazel.

Botanical Overview

Scientific Name: Corylus colurna
Family: Betulaceae
Native Range: Balkans, Turkey, Caucasus
Growth Form: Deciduous tree
Life Span: Long-lived, often 200+ years
Hardiness Zones: Typically USDA 5–7

Key selling point? It’s stress-tolerant, handles drought once established, and works beautifully in urban landscapes thanks to its pollution resilience.

Growing Turkish Hazel: Conditions & Care

1. Soil Requirements

Turkish hazel thrives in:

Deep, well-drained loam
Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Moist soils during establishment

It tolerates poorer soils better than European hazel (Corylus avellana), making it a promising candidate for low-input orchards.

2. Climate & Exposure

Prefers full sun
Handles cold winters
Moderate drought tolerance once mature

In hotter climates, supplemental irrigation increases nut yield and kernel size.

3. Planting Tips

Plant in early spring or fall
Space 6–8 meters apart
Use mulch to retain moisture
Stake young saplings to encourage upright form

4. Growth Speed

A relatively slow grower—expect:

30–60 cm (1–2 feet) annually when young
Full height achieved in 25–35 years

Propagation Methods

Turkish hazel can be propagated via:

1. Seeds (Most Common)

Seed propagation requires cold stratification for 60–120 days. Germination rates improve if:

Nuts are fresh
Stored in moist sand
Wintered outdoors or refrigerated

Seedlings tend to display genetic diversity—great for breeding, less ideal for uniform orchards.

2. Grafting (For Consistency)

Commercial nut growers graft Turkish hazel onto:

Corylus avellana
Corylus americana
Hybrid rootstocks

Reason: improved nut yields, disease resistance, and better orchard consistency.

3. Layering & Stool Beds

While possible, Turkish hazel responds more slowly to vegetative propagation than common hazel.

Varieties & Cultivars

Turkish hazel itself has fewer recognized named cultivars than European hazel, but breeders increasingly use it for:

Rootstocks
Hybrids
Cold-hardy orchards
Disease-tolerant breeding lines

Notable traits under selection include:

Kernel size
Shell thickness
Yield consistency
Ornamental form

Hybrid crosses with Corylus avellana show promise for future nut production systems.

Ornamental & Landscape Uses

Turkish hazel earns admiration in urban horticulture due to:

Straight trunk
Symmetrical crown
Deep furrowed bark
Pollution tolerance

It’s often planted in:

Streetscapes
Estate gardens
Public plazas
Campus landscapes

Its tidy growth habit and lack of suckering make it easier to manage than shrubby hazels.

Nut & Food Uses

1. Edibility & Flavor

Turkish hazel produces edible nuts with:

Mild hazelnut flavor
Firmer texture
Slightly smaller kernels
Thicker shells

Kernel-to-shell ratio is lower than commercial filberts, but the taste is excellent.

2. Culinary Applications

The nuts can be:

Roasted
Ground into flour
Added to confectionery
Pressed for oil
Eaten raw

Flavor pairs well with:

Chocolate
Honey
Coffee
Stone fruits
Baked pastries

Artisanal bakers and chocolatiers are increasingly experimenting with Turkish hazel for uniqueness and terroir identity.

Harvesting & Processing

Harvest Time

Typically harvested in late summer to early autumn depending on latitude and heat accumulation.

Signs of Readiness

Nuts are ripe when:

Husk browns and loosens
Nuts drop freely
Squirrels take sudden interest!

Post-Harvest Steps

Dry nuts 1–2 weeks for storage
Crack shells as needed
Store kernels in airtight jars in cool spaces

Hazelnuts keep best when refrigerated, preserving aromatic oils.

Ecological & Permaculture Value

Turkish hazel supports:

Wild pollinators (catkins)
Birds & wildlife (nuts)
Biodiversity (mixed-canopy systems)

Root system helps stabilize soils, and the tall canopy plays nicely in food forests layered with:

Currants
Shade crops
Woodland berries

Challenges & Pests

Turkish hazel shows strong resilience against many common hazelnut pests. While not immune, it tends to resist:

Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB)
Leaf spot diseases
Bacterial cankers

Shell thickness deters many nut-feeding insects.

Why Turkish Hazel Is Gaining Attention

Interest is rising due to:

Urban forestry demand
Climate resilience
Specialty nut markets
Breeding potential
Ornamental qualities

Breeders view it as a solution species for expanding hazelnut agriculture into colder or drier regions.

Final Thoughts

Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna) stands out as:

A handsome tree
A hardy nut producer
A low-maintenance landscape option
A promising genetic resource for nut breeding

While not as widely cultivated as European filbert, it offers unique horticultural, culinary, and ecological benefits worthy of greater recognition.

More information

Common Name	Turkish Hazel, Chinese hazelnut, Turkish Filbert, Turkish Hazel
Family	Betulaceae
USDA hardiness	4-7
Known Hazards	None known
Habitats	Shady mixed forests, 1000 – 1800 metres in E. Asia. Found at altitudes up to 3000 metres in the Himalayas where it is found mainly on northerly aspects and in shady places.
Range	S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating	(3 of 5)
Other Uses	(3 of 5)
Weed Potential	No
Medicinal Rating	(1 of 5)
Care (info)

How to grow Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)

How to Grow, Propagate, Use, Eat, and Harvest Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)

Botanical Overview