Filbert tree, Giant filbert, Purple-leaf hazel
Corylus maxima

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

It is a large shrub or tree. It grows 9 m tall. It can spread to 4.5 m wide. The leaves are large and heart shaped. They are mid green. The young twigs have sticky hairs. There is a much longer, tubular husk enclosing the nut. The brown nuts are large and egg shaped. Corylus maxima and Corylus avellana often form hybrids.

There are about 15 Corylus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It is best in deep, well-drained soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Balkans, Caucasus, Europe (country/location of origin), Greece, Mediterranean, Slovenia, Turkey, Türkiye, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten raw. They are also used in nut milk, nut butter, cakes, pies and bread. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown by tip layers or by suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Aveleira, Avellana, Coudrier, European filbert, Haselnuss, Haselstrauch, Lambert's filbert, Lambert's nut, Lombardy-nut, Nocciola, Noisetier

Synonyms

Corylus tubulosa Willd.;