Mark A. Miller
Family
Betulaceae
Botanical Name
CORYLUS chinensis
Plant Common Name
Chinese Filbert, Chinese Hazel
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
A walk into the highlands of China may reveal a rare glimpse of the Chinese filbert, which is a plant species vulnerable to extinction in the wild. Native to the moist woodlands of south-central China and into Tibet, this partially deciduous tree retains low branches and may sucker from its trunk. To maintain a classic tree silhouette, prune away suckers to reveal the mottled, fissured bark of the trunk. With old age, the bark pales to gray or white.
In spring, when foliage is emerging or fully present, male flowers occur in a cluster of narrow cylinder catkins. Tiny female blossoms are in clusters nearby closer to branch tips. Wind pollinates the female flowers that then develop into tear drop-shaped green fruits that are fused at their bases. A fruit cluster looks like a warped star Christmas tree ornament. Inside each fruit is an edible salmon-brown seed nut. The leaves are medium green and broad triangular ovals with a point and toothed edges. Newly emerging leaves are blushed coppery bronze. Little or no fall foliage color occurs, and in mild winter areas may remain semi-evergreen.
Grow Chinese filbert in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Full to partial sun exposures encourages the best tree structure and habit while also encouraging more flowering and fruit production. Use it as a park or campus tree to cast shade and to provide a tasty crop of filbert nuts to eat by mid-autumn.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
60'-100' / 18.3m - 30.5m
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Width
30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
