About

This multi-stemmed shrub reaches a height of approximately 3 meters. It features green foliage that transitions to a pale yellow in autumn before shedding. In winter, it produces abundant yellow catkins that bloom early in spring, eventually giving way to a generous yield of large, edible nuts. Be sure to harvest the nuts promptly to prevent squirrel theft.

About the genus

Corylus comprises deciduous trees and sizable shrubs featuring wide leaves. In early spring, they produce prominent male catkins, which are succeeded by edible nuts.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs, Trees

Habit

Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

4-8 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation

Does best on light, sandy, well-drained soil. For nut production, grow as a goblet-shaped bush, keeping clear soil in a 60cm radius around the trunk. See cobnuts and filberts

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 if coppicing alternate years to keep height restricted

Propagation

Propagate by layering or stooling or removing rooted suckers

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites, aphids and sawflies. Squirrels like to feed on the nuts

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus, silver leaf and Powdery mildews