Turkish Filbert

Botanical Name: Corylus colurna

Alternate Name: Constantinople Hazel, Tree Hazel, Turkish Hazelnut, Turkish Hazel

The Turkish Filbert (Corylus colurna) is the biggest of all the hazelnut or filbert trees. It is native to Southeastern Europe as well as parts of Asia. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a pyramidal shape. The growth habit has a horizontal branching structure which starts low, above a short, dense trunk covered with gray flaking bark. This tree can grow to a height of 40 to 80 feet and a width of 30-50 feet.

This tree is named after the filberts or hazelnuts which it produces. These nuts are smaller than the hazelnuts that are usually cultivated for production from Corylus avellana (European Filbert or Hazel). The leaves are mid-green, glossy, and finely-toothed. They grow up to 5 inches in length and hang down from the branches. In the fall, they put on a beautiful golden yellow display.

The male flowers of the Turkish Filbert are long catkins that grow up to 3 inches long. They create a display in late winter or early spring before the leaves grow in. The female catkin flowers are small and usually hidden from view. After the female flowers develop, the nuts develop in clusters of between 3 and 6 nuts. They are wrapped in a spiny covering that extends beyond the nuts. The fruits are edible and can be roasted and eaten, although they are often eaten by squirrels!

The Turkish Filbert is very tolerant of urban pollutants, thus making a great street tree. It also works well as a shade tree, producing deep shade underneath its dense branching structure and big leaves.

No serious insect or disease problems.