Hybrid & Neohybrids, Hazel, Filbert
Corylus hybrids & neohybrids

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

Hazelnuts are among the best perennial protein and oil staple crops for temperate and boreal climates. Hybrids and neohybrid hazels are of increasing importance. Hazels are a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Species range from 3m to 25m in height and coppice well.

Corylus hybrids & neohybrids is a deciduous Shrub growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and 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): 25

Where it is found

Native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. See individual species.

Hybrid

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Temperate Northern Hemisphere

How it is used

Food

Rating: 5

Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: protein-oil (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world). Hazelnuts are among the best perennial protein and oil staple crops for temperate and boreal climates. Hybrids and neohybrid hazels are of increasing importance.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

See individual species.

Other

Rating: 5

Carbon Farming Solutions - Other Systems: woody agriculture. See individual species.

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.

Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

New Crop: Most new crops were important wild plants until recently, although some are the result of hybridization. They have been developed in the last few, decades. What they have in common is that they are currently cultivated by farmers. Examples include baobab, argan, and buffalo gourd.

Other Systems: Woody agriculture: Domesticated woody plants intensively producing agricultural staples.

Staple Crop: Protein-oil: (16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.

Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

New Crop: Most new crops were important wild plants until recently, although some are the result of hybridization. They have been developed in the last few, decades. What they have in common is that they are currently cultivated by farmers. Examples include baobab, argan, and buffalo gourd.

Other Systems: Woody agriculture: Domesticated woody plants intensively producing agricultural staples.

Staple Crop: Protein-oil: (16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Climate: boreal to warm temperate, Mediterranean. Humidity: semi-arid to humid. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: new crop. Management: standard, coppice (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

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:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Corylus hybrids & neohybrids. Hazel. Filbert

Synonyms

Many. See individual species.