Overview of Corylus colurna Plant
Corylus colurna is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Betulaceae. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. The tree is commonly referred to as Turkish hazel, Turkish filbert, and Turkish tree hazel. It grows up to 20-25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter.
Physical Appearance of Corylus colurna
The leaves of the Corylus colurna tree are alternate, oval-shaped, and serrated at the edges. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow color before falling off. The tree produces small flowers that grow in clusters in early spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are yellow-brown or red-brown in color. The tree also produces edible nuts that are round-shaped and enclosed in a husk. The nuts are harvested in late summer and early autumn.
Uses of Corylus colurna
The Corylus colurna tree has several uses, including:
- The nuts produced by the tree are edible and are often used in confectionary as an ingredient in chocolates, cakes, and biscuits.
- The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is often used for making furniture, flooring, and decorative items.
- The tree is also planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens due to its attractive appearance.
- Traditionally, various parts of the Corylus colurna tree were used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, colds, and respiratory infections.
Overall, Corylus colurna is a useful tree that provides both edible nuts and a valuable source of wood. It is also an attractive ornamental plant that is planted in parks and gardens for its aesthetic value.
Growth Conditions for Corylus Colurna Plant
Corylus colurna, also referred to as the Turkish Hazel or filbert tree, is a deciduous tree found in southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Caucasus. It is well-adapted to grow in a range of climatic conditions and soil types and features a straight trunk, dense crown, and spreading roots system. To grow Corylus Colurna plant, several growth conditions must be considered and maintained.
Light
Corylus Colurna plant requires full sunlight exposure to reach its full growth potential. Ensure it is planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Limited light exposure may result in stunted growth, weak stems, and poor fruit set.
Temperature
Corylus Colurna plant grows well in both cold and warm climatic conditions. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -23^0 Celsius and high humidity environments. The optimum temperature range for growth is 13^0 Celsius to 24^0 Celsius
Soil Requirements
Corylus Colurna plant adapts to a range of soil types but thrives well in well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic soil. Alkaline soils may result in poor nutrient uptake leading to stunted growth. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is most suitable for optimal plant growth. Adequate soil moisture is essential, avoid water retention to prevent waterlogging and disease development.
Cultivation Methods for Corylus Colurna
The Corylus colurna plant, commonly known as the Turkish filbert, is an excellent addition to any landscape, providing a strikingly beautiful appearance throughout the year. These deciduous trees thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making them an ideal choice as a street or shade tree. They can be grown in USDA zones 4-8, with the tree reaching a mature height of 50-60 feet.
Watering Needs
While the Turkish filbert trees can tolerate some drought, it is recommended to water young trees regularly to facilitate root growth during the initial years of establishment. Water the tree once a week until it matures, then gradually reduce the frequency of watering. Increase the frequency of watering during hot summers or drought conditions.
Fertilization
Corylus colurna plants require a balanced fertilizer every year in the early spring. A slow-release fertilizer should be used to distribute the nutrients consistently over an extended period. The tree also benefits from the application of compost or other organic matter to the soil surface annually, which will help retain moisture and nutrients in the soil.
Pruning
The Turkish filbert tree generally does not require a lot of pruning. However, it’s essential to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased branches as soon as possible. Pruning can also be done to control its shape and size. Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune the tree, and it’s recommended to keep the pruning to a minimum as the tree heals the slowest during this period.
Propagation of Corylus colurna
Corylus colurna, commonly known as the Turkish hazelnut or Turkish filbert, is a deciduous tree native to Southeast Europe and Asia Minor. The tree is known for its edible nuts and is primarily propagated through cuttings, seeds, and grafting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are an effective way to propagate Corylus colurna. Softwood cuttings can be taken from young trees in early summer, while hardwood cuttings can be taken from mature trees in late autumn. The cuttings should have a length of about 20cm and be taken from healthy, disease-free trees. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and covered with plastic to retain moisture. The cuttings should root in about 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted after a year.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is another option for Corylus colurna. Seeds can be collected in autumn from mature nuts that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours, after which they can be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about twice their size and kept moist. Germination can take several months, and the seedlings can be transplanted after a year.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a common technique used to propagate Corylus colurna. The most common grafting method used is the whip and tongue graft. The scionwood, or the plant that will be grafted onto the rootstock, should be collected in winter from a mature and healthy tree. The rootstock should be collected from a young seedling that is about 2-3 years old. The grafting should be done in early spring, and the grafted tree should be kept in a sheltered location until it has established.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus colurna
Corylus colurna, also known as the Turkish hazel or European filbert, is generally a hardy tree resistant to most pests and diseases. However, like any plant, it can still fall prey to more common afflictions.
Common Diseases
One of the diseases that can affect the Corylus colurna is Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), which is a fungal disease. Symptoms of EFB include wilting, leaf dieback, and cankers on the branches. To manage EFB, it's important to remove and destroy infected branches as soon as possible. Prune the tree during dry periods to prevent moisture from entering the cuts. Applying copper fungicides can also help to prevent and control the spread of EFB.
Another disease that can affect the Corylus colurna is bacterial blight. This disease initially appears as small holes surrounded by yellowish halos on the leaves. The plant can suffer from defoliation and general tree health can decline if left untreated. Prevention is key to controlling bacterial blight. Early detection and removal of infected trees, pruning of cull branches, and the application of copper fungicides can prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the pests that can affect the Corylus colurna is the Filbert worm. The Filbert worm feeds on the developing nuts and can penetrate through the husk and shell of the nuts causing cosmetic damage. A natural enemy of the Filbert worm is a parasitic wasp known as the filbert worm parasite. The use of insecticides may be required if the natural control is not effective.
Another pest that can affect the Corylus colurna is the aphid. Although small, aphids can cause significant damage by sucking out the sap from the leaves and tender shoot. They can be easily controlled by spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Finally, the Corylus colurna can be affected by mites. These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing damage to the plant. The use of horticultural oil and insecticidal soap can effectively control mites.
Overall, maintaining a healthy Corylus colurna requires consistent monitoring to prevent infestations and the early detection and removal of infected trees.
