06 Sep What Tree? Turkish Hazel
Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna)
This month we are turning our attention to corylus colurna, commonly known as the Turkish hazel. This impressive deciduous species, native to south-eastern Europe and western Asia, reaches heights of 20-25 metres and forms a conical crown which broadens as the tree matures.
The Turkish hazel has a long history of cultivation, particularly in its native regions. In ancient times, the tree was valued not only for its nuts but also for its sturdy wood, which was used in various applications, including tool handles, furniture, and even as a material for traditional weapons. The tree’s corky bark has also been used in traditional crafts and, in some regions, for medicinal purposes.
In folklore, hazel trees have often been associated with wisdom, protection, and fertility. While the Turkish hazel itself may not have been as central in folklore as the common hazel (Corylus avellana), it shares in the general symbolism attributed to hazel trees. In various cultures, hazel wands were used for divination, and hazel groves were considered sacred spaces.
In modern times the Turkish hazel is more widely cultivated as an ornamental tree. Due to its ability to tolerate the more challenging growing conditions of urban settings it has become a popular choice as a street tree, where its dense crown also provides good shade.
This tree is located in the boundary of Aldi car park near our office
Appearance and Identification
The leaves of the Turkish hazel are broadly oval, with double serrated edges, measuring about 6 to 12 cm in length. They are dark green during the growing season and turn a striking yellow in the autumn.
In early spring, the tree produces long, pendulous catkins that are the male flowers, while the female flowers are less conspicuous, developing into clusters of edible nuts by late summer. The nuts are encased in a hard, woody shell surrounded by a distinctive, frilly husk.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Turkish hazel is its deeply furrowed, cork-like bark, which provides a unique textural contrast to the smoothness found in many other hazel species.
Propagation and Control
The Turkish hazel prefers moist, well-drained soil as well as full sun, although it is occasionally drought tolerant. It is typically found in mixed forests, along riverbanks, and in mountainous regions within its native range. It is generally a robust and disease-resistant species, susceptible to various root rots in poorly drained soils but otherwise less prone to damage than other members of the Corylus genus.
In its native regions, the Turkish hazel is sometimes found in the wild, although it has become less common due to habitat loss and deforestation. Efforts to conserve and protect this species focus on preserving its natural habitats and encouraging its use in reforestation and urban planting projects.
Source and Reference Materials
Information detailed in this post has been obtained from the author’s own knowledge and photographic library where possible. Additional source of information and photographs include:
Van den Berk, B.V. (2004). Van den Berk on Trees. Van den Berk Nurseries.