Description of Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta, commonly known as beaked hazelnut or western hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Betulaceae family. The plant is native to North America, and it can be found in the eastern and western parts of the continent.
Appearance
Beaked hazelnut usually grows to a height of 3 to 10 feet tall and is distinguished by grayish-brown bark that is smooth on young branches but becomes shaggy and rough in old stems. The leaves of the plant are dark green and toothed with a pointed tip, while the flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in early spring. The fruit is a nut that has a woody husk with a curved beak, which gives the plant its distinctive name.
Uses
Beaked hazelnut has several uses. Native Americans frequently used the plant for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and coughs. The nut was also used as a source of food, and the bark was utilized for basket weaving. Additionally, the plant serves as a source of food and habitat for wildlife such as squirrels, deer, and birds.
In recent times, beaked hazelnut has become a popular ornamental plant due to its striking appearance, with its fall foliage featuring yellow, orange, and red hues. The plant is also grown for its nuts, which are used in confectionery and as a substitute for almonds.
Light Requirements
The Corylus cornuta plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least four hours of direct sunlight a day to produce nuts, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt. If grown indoors, it's necessary to place the plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Corylus cornuta plant is flexible in terms of temperature but prefers a cool, damp environment. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and can tolerate low temperatures of up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, during the plant's growing season, temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred.
Soil Requirements
The Corylus cornuta plant grows best in fertile, well-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant is intolerant of compacted and poorly drained soil, prefering loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, the plant will need to be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Cultivation methods for Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta, commonly called the beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that is primarily found in North America. It is relatively easy to grow and does well in most types of soil, but it prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. When planting, make sure to space the shrubs appropriately to allow them to grow properly.
The ideal time for planting Corylus cornuta is in the spring after the last frost date or in the fall before the first frost. When planting, ensure that the hole is twice as wide as the root ball but not too deep.
Watering needs for Corylus cornuta
While Corylus cornuta is relatively drought-tolerant, it still requires consistent watering, especially during hot and dry conditions. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently. Avoid watering too frequently as it can lead to root rot or other diseases.
A good way to check the moisture level of the soil is by sticking one or two fingers into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, it's time to water. For best results, water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
Fertilization of Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta is quite tolerant of different soil types and doesn't require much fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring before the growing season starts, but it's not necessary. If you notice that the plants are not growing well or producing flowers and nuts, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can help.
It's important not to over-fertilize Corylus cornuta as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and a reduction in nut production.
Pruning Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta is best pruned in the late winter or early spring when it's still dormant. It's best to remove any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches that can cause damage. After the shrub has reached maturity, it's a good idea to remove one or two of the oldest stems each year to encourage new growth and maintain the overall health of the plant.
When pruning, make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent any damage or injury to the plant.
Propagation of Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta, also known as the beaked hazelnut, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Corylus cornuta is by using seeds. The seeds should be collected during the fall season after the fruit has ripened. The seeds are then extracted from the fruit and allowed to dry for a few days. After drying, they can be stored in an airtight container until planting.
For planting, the seeds can be sown in a prepared bed outdoors in the fall or stratified for three months before planting in the spring. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to help speed up germination. The soil should be well-draining and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by division
Corylus cornuta can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections with an equal distribution of roots and shoots.
The ideal time to divide the plant is during the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The divided sections can be planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Propagation by cuttings
Corylus cornuta can also be propagated by cuttings. This method involves taking cutting from a mature plant and rooting them in a suitable rooting medium.
The best time to take cuttings is during the late summer or early fall when the plant is in its dormant phase. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until new growth appears.
Overall, Corylus cornuta can be easily propagated through several methods, making it a popular plant for gardeners and landscapers alike.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus cornuta
Corylus cornuta, commonly known as the beaked hazelnut, is a native plant to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Like any other plant, beaked hazelnut is susceptible to pests and diseases that can cause damage to the plant. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective pest and disease management strategies to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
Beaked hazelnuts are vulnerable to fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Corylus Blight: it is a fungal disease that causes leaves and stems to wilt and turn brown. The disease can spread quickly and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this disease, prune and destroy infected areas as soon as possible and use fungicides.
- Canker: it is a fungal disease that causes sunken, discolored patches on the bark. The disease can lead to stem dieback or plant death. To manage canker, remove infected branches, and apply fungicides to the affected areas.
- Cedar-Apple Rust: it is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and stems. It can also cause distorted growth and premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove any nearby cedar trees and use fungicides.
Common Pests
Several pests can also cause damage to beaked hazelnuts. Some of the common pests to look out for include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted foliage. Since aphids reproduce quickly, it is essential to control them as soon as possible. Treat aphids with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
- Mites: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or bronze. To manage mites, prune and destroy infected areas, and use insecticidal soaps or miticides.
- Nut Weevils: These pests feed on the developing nuts, causing them to fall prematurely. To manage nut weevils, place pheromone traps around the plant and remove infected nuts and debris from the area.
Following these pest and disease management strategies may help to keep your beaked hazelnut plant healthy and productive. Early detection and prompt action are essential to prevent significant damage to the plant.
