Corylus x colurna ‘Purple Leaf’ – Purple Leaf Turkish Filbert

Botanical Name: Corylus x colurna ‘Purple Leaf’

Alternative Name: Purple Leaf Turkish Hazelnut, Purple Leaf Turkish Hazel

The Purple Leaf Turkish Filbert (Corylus colurna ‘Purple Leaf’) is a beautiful tree. It is similar to the Turkish Filbert tree (Corylus colurna) but has attractive, deep purple leaves with a tinge of green. The Turkish Filbert is native to Southeastern Europe as well as parts of Asia. The Purple Leaf Turkish Filbert is a deciduous, medium-sized tree with a pyramidal to oval shape. Its growth habit is horizontal and the branching starts low on the thick trunk. As the tree matures, the bark becomes fissured with cork ridges, providing winter interest.

Purple Leaf Turkish Filbert is a beautiful tree for many landscapes. It produces ornamental nuts known as filberts or hazelnuts that are purple in color and provide a beautiful spectacle in the fall. As they emerge, the nuts are surrounded by bright purple bracts. The nuts are smaller than the regular hazelnuts borne by Corylus avellana.

The glossy leaves have a beautiful purple glow to them, with serrated edges and a lighter, pink-purple venation. The undersides are a brighter purple color. The pendulous leaves are approximately 5 inches in length.

The flowers of the Purple Leaf Turkish Filbert are attractive, pinkish-red, drooping male catkins that grow up to 3 inches in length. They provide an early spring display before the leaves emerge. The female flowers are tiny catkins that are usually not noticeable and are hidden from view. The nuts follow the female catkins. They are presented on the tree in groups of 3 and 6 nuts, wrapped in their bright purple, spiny, protective coat. The fruits are attractive to wildlife. They can also be roasted and eaten.

This tree is adaptable to different environments and tolerates pollution. It is therefore suitable for use in urban landscapes and as a street tree. Its dense branching and big leaves also make it suitable for use as a shade tree.

No serious insect or disease problems.