Chinese hazel tree, Chen
Corylus chinensis

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A spreading tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 20 m tall. It spreads 5 m wide. The bark is grey-brown and has cracks along it. The leaves are simple and oval. They are heart shaped at the base. The male flowers are like catkins and these grow 5 cm long. They hang down. The female catkins are small and red.

There are about 15 Corylus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests on moist mountain slopes between 1200–3500 m altitude in China. It does best in a cool temperate. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Himalayas, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten raw. The fruit are used for making pastries. The leaves are used for tea.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh ripe seeds. It can also be grown by layering.

They are fast growing. In Yunnan fruit are harvested in September and October.

Its other names

Local names

Jilizi

Synonyms

Corylus chinensis var. macrocarpa Hu; Corylus colurna Linnaeus var. chinensis (Franchet) Burkill; Corylus papyracea Hickel;