Overview
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta, commonly known as beaked hazelnut, is a small deciduous shrub of the Betulaceae family. It is native to North America and has been used for traditional medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in the region. This plant is known for its edible nuts and ornamental value in gardens.
Appearance
The shrub typically grows up to 3-10 feet tall and has a spreading habit. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and is smooth when young, but becomes rough with age. The leaves are dark green, serrated and broadly oval, and have a pointed tip. The male catkins of this plant are yellow, while the female flowers are red with a long, tubular appendage giving it the appearance of a beak. The fruit is a woody nut enclosed in a leafy husk that splits open at maturity.
Uses
The beaked hazelnut is used for various purposes. The nuts are edible and have a similar taste to other types of hazelnuts. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are a source of protein and healthy fats. The plant's leaves and bark have been used to treat various ailments by indigenous peoples of North America, including diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The plant is also commonly grown for ornamental purposes in gardens due to its attractive catkins and fall coloration.
Growth Conditions of Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta, also known as the beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. This shrub has specific growth conditions required for optimal growth.
Light Requirements
These shrubs are shade-tolerant and can grow in both full sun and partial sun conditions. However, they prefer partial sun conditions, where they receive four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. When grown in full shade, the shrubs can become leggy, while in full sun, their growth is stunted.
Temperature Requirements
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta prefers a cool climate and can tolerate cold temperatures. They grow well in temperature ranges between -40°F to 90°F (-40°C to 32°C). However, temperatures above 90°F (32°C)can cause heat stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The shrub prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta requires moist soil conditions but can tolerate drought once established. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and prefers soils with a loamy texture.
Fertilizer
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta does not require fertilizer if grown in nutrient-rich soils. However, if grown in poor soil or when necessary, a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer may be applied in early spring.
With proper care to provide the correct growth conditions, Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta can thrive and produce attractive flowers and edible nuts.
Cultivation Methods
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta, also known as the beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to North America and can be cultivated in USDA zones 4-9. The best time to plant hazelnuts is in the early spring or fall.
When choosing a planting location, make sure the area gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole two times wider and deeper than the shrub's root ball and place the plant inside, covering it with soil. Water the shrub thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs
Hazelnuts need consistent watering to establish deep roots and produce a good crop. Water the shrubs deeply once a week during the growing season, providing about one inch of water each time. Reduce watering in the fall when the plant goes dormant, but make sure the shrub receives enough moisture to survive the winter.
Fertilization
The beaked hazelnut shrub benefits from fertilization during the growing season. Apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio, such as 10-10-10, in the spring when new growth begins. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub and water it in well.
You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve soil fertility and organic matter content. Apply a layer of compost or manure around the base of the shrub, taking care not to mound it against the trunk.
Pruning
Pruning hazelnut shrubs helps to maintain their shape and health. Prune the shrubs in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first.
Next, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. These branches can create wounds and invite pests and diseases. Finally, prune back the remaining branches to maintain the size and shape of the shrub.
Propagation of Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta, commonly known as the beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. This plant is mostly found in North America and has a hardy nature making it ideal for propagation through various methods. Propagation is the process of reproducing a plant either through sexual or asexual means.
Asexual Propagation:
Asexual propagation involves taking cuttings from a parent plant and inducing them to grow roots. The beaked hazelnut plant can be propagated clonally through hardwood cuttings taken in the winter months when the plant is dormant. The stem must be about pencil-thick, and a length of 20-25 cm is cut in the dormant season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted about half their length deep. They should be kept moist, and the new plant should emerge in the spring.
Sexual Propagation:
Propagation through sexual means involves sowing seeds on a specific medium to grow. Beaked hazelnut plant produces a nut that matures in September or October. This nut can be collected and stored until the spring when it is ready to be sown. Sow the seed in an appropriate potting mix, and it should develop into a seedling within a few weeks. The seedling can then be transplanted to the garden in early spring.
Both asexual and sexual propagation methods can be carried out to increase the number of beaked hazelnut plants and preserve certain characteristics of the plant that may be desirable in cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta
Corylus cornuta Marsh. var. cornuta, commonly known as beaked hazelnut or simply hazelnut, can be affected by various diseases and pests. Managing these issues is essential to sustain and improve hazelnut production. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect hazelnut trees and suggested management strategies.
Diseases
Filbert Blight: This fungus causes sunken cankers on shoots and branches and results in twig and branch dieback. Management strategies include removing infected wood, pruning to improve air circulation, and controlling weed growth to improve sunlight penetration and air movement. Fungicides can also be used preventively and as a treatment.
Crown Gall: This bacterial disease causes abnormal growths on roots and lower stems. Management strategies include planting certified disease-free stock, avoiding wounding plants, and maintaining proper soil pH and fertility to promote healthy growth and reduce plant stress. No chemical treatment is available.
Eastern Filbert Blight: This fungal disease causes cankers and death of branches. Management strategies include pruning infected wood, planting resistant cultivars, and applying fungicides before bud break and during shoot elongation. No chemical treatment is available for advanced infections.
Pests
Filbert Weevil: This pest lays eggs in developing nuts, and the resulting larvae feed on kernels and affect nut quality. Management strategies include timely harvest and cleaning up fallen nuts to prevent overwintering. Insecticides can also be used preventively and as a treatment.
Mites: These pests can cause bronzing on leaves, reduce yield, and suppress plant growth. Management strategies include using horticultural oils to smother the pests and reducing plant stress through proper irrigation and fertility practices. Insecticides can also be used preventively and as a treatment.
Aphids: These pests can lead to leaf curling, stunting, and transmission of plant viruses. Management strategies include using beneficial insects to control outbreaks, spraying with insecticidal soap, and removing infested shoots and leaves. Insecticides can also be used preventively and as a treatment.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, growers can ensure a healthy and productive beaked hazelnut crop.
