Overview
Corylus avellana is a tree in the genus Corylus, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall and 3 m wide. Corylus avellana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.0-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, wildlife gardens and edible landscaping. It is native to Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is. and East European Russia.
About
Corylus avellana, the common hazel, is a species of flowering plant in the birch family Betulaceae. The shrubs usually grow 3–8 metres tall.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Corylus avellana
About the genus
Hazels are plants of the genus Corylus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus is usually placed in the birch family, Betulaceae, though some botanists split the hazels into a separate family Corylaceae. The fruit of the hazel is the hazelnut.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hazel", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hazel
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Corylus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- full sun, partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Corylus avellana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Spread
- 3 m
- Suggested uses
- hedging, wildlife gardens, edible landscaping
- Native to
- Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., East European Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corylus avellana
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain shape; can be coppiced for wood production.
- Propagation
- By seed, layering, or hardwood cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Corylus avellana?
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where is the best place to plant Corylus avellana?
Corylus avellana prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Corylus avellana need?
Corylus avellana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.0-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Corylus avellana?
Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain shape; can be coppiced for wood production.
How big does Corylus avellana grow?
Corylus avellana reaches a height of 6.0 m and a spread of 3 m.
Is Corylus avellana hardy in the UK?
Corylus avellana has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Corylus avellana?
By seed, layering, or hardwood cuttings.
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