Corylus avellana pontica

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

Corylus avellana pontica is a deciduous Tree. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Mixed woodland, streamsides etc in Turkey, in the lower montane zone.

E. Europe to Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Seed - raw or roasted and used in breads, cakes, biscuits, sweets etc. They can also be liquidized and used as a plant milk. Rich in oil. The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels. When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months. A clear yellow edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is used in salad dressings, baking etc.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Milk: made from plants, that is.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

The seed contains up to 65% of a non-drying oil, used in paints, cosmetics etc. The whole seed can be used to polish and oil wood. Very easy and effective. Plants can be grown as a tall hedge. They need to be left untrimmed or only lightly trimmed if seed is required. Wood - soft, easy to split, not very durable, beautifully veined. Used for inlay work, small items of furniture, hurdles, wattles, basketry, pea sticks etc. The twigs are used as dowsing rods by water diviners. The wood also yields a good quality charcoal, used by artists.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Plant support: Usually bamboos, used as canes in the garden for holding up plants.

Polish: Plants used to give a shine to metals, wood etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, but is in general more productive of seeds when grown on soils of moderate fertility. It does less well in rich heavy soils or poor ones. Does well in a loamy soil. Very suitable for an alkaline soil, but it dislikes very acid soils. Plants are fairly wind tolerant. Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is harvested in autumn in a cold frame. Germinates in late winter or spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or sheltered place outdoors for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Layering in autumn. Easy, it takes about 6 months. Division of suckers in early spring. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. colurna. non L. C. pontica.