Overview of Corylus Fargesii
Corylus fargesii is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China. It belongs to the Birch family (Betulaceae) and is commonly known as Chinese hazelnut or Farges' hazelnut. The plant is highly valued for its edible nuts, ornamental appearance, and medicinal properties.
General Appearance of Corylus Fargesii
Corylus fargesii can grow up to 25 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet. The tree's bark is brownish-grey, and its branches are slightly curved and have smooth, greyish-brown bark. The leaves are deciduous, alternate, and simple, measuring 2-5 inches long and 1-4 inches wide. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface, lighter below, and turn yellow in the fall. The plant produces flowers before the leaves, in late winter or early spring. The male flowers grow in catkins, while the female flowers grow in small groups on short stalks.
Uses of Corylus Fargesii
Corylus fargesii is mainly grown for its edible nuts, which can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in cooking. The nuts are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and are a popular snack in China. The plant is also valued for its ornamental appearance and is grown as a specimen plant in gardens and parks. The bark, leaves, and nuts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including cough, asthma, and diarrhea.
Moreover, Corylus fargesii is an excellent wildlife plant, providing food and cover for various animals. The nuts are a food source for birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The plant is also used for soil erosion control due to its extensive root system.
Overall, Corylus fargesii is an attractive, useful, and highly valued plant with diverse uses and benefits.
Light Requirements
The plant Corylus fargesii requires full to partial sunlight exposure for its optimal growth. In its natural habitat, it is frequently found on sunny slopes and forest borders. Therefore, while growing Corylus fargesii, it is essential to keep the plant in a location that receives plenty of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
Corylus fargesii is native to the mountainous regions of China, where it experiences mild summers and cold winters. The plant is hardy to USDA Zone 5, which means it can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C). In regions with extreme winter weather, it may lose its leaves. In areas with hot summers, it is best to plant the Corylus fargesii in a location that receives partial shade to prevent sunburn of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The plant Corylus fargesii grows well in well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5). With its deep root system, the plant can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. Before planting Corylus fargesii, it is recommended to prepare a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and fill it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Cultivation Methods for Corylus Fargesii
Corylus fargesii, generally known as the Chinese Filbert, is a deciduous tree in the Betulaceae family that is typically found in Eastern Asia. The ideal location for growing Corylus fargesii is in temperate and subtropical climates with an abundance of shade.
The ideal soil type for Corylus fargesii cultivation is well-draining soil that is medium to heavily rich with organic matter. Plant the saplings two to three weeks before the last spring frost. Place the sapling in a hole twice the size of its root ball and back-fill with enriched soil. Water it thoroughly to ensure appropriate moisture.
Watering Needs of Corylus Fargesii
Corylus Fargesii thrives best in well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. It is preferable to keep the soil moist rather than allowing it to become wet. Watering at the root level is more beneficial than saturated leaves throughout deep watering.
The tree has a shallow root structure, so it requires regular watering to keep it alive and healthy. During the spring and summer months, water once a week to maintain the right soil humidity.
Fertilization of Corylus Fargesii
During the tree's growing season, fertilize Corylus fargesii every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Use 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen for every thousand square feet of the area.
Fertilization should be stopped four weeks before the last anticipated frost when freezing temperatures occur. If you over-fertilize it, you might end up increasing susceptibility to diseases and pests, aside from weakening the plant's roots.
Pruning of Corylus Fargesii
Pruning the Corylus fargesii primarily aims to clean out old or aged branches. The best time to prune this tree is in late winter before new growth appears.
Prune out dead or damaged branches first. Cut back one-third of the height of the tree's central trunk to improve its structural integrity. Use shears or a small pruning saw to remove cross branches and to cut branches to a healthy outward-facing bud.
You should remove multiple cross branches and deadwood, which could lead to a burden on the tree and increase the likelihood of disease, and reduce nuts' production. When dealing with diseased branches, clean pruning tools with a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol or a mixture of 10% bleach and 90% water to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Corylus fargesii
Corylus fargesii is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. Propagation is an essential part of plant growth and development. Propagation of Corylus fargesii can be achieved through several methods, including:
1. Seed propagation
The propagation of Corylus fargesii can be achieved using seeds. The seeds are collected from the plant during the fall, and they can be stored until the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified to break their dormancy. Stratification can be done by exposing the seeds to moist, cold conditions for a specified period. Once the seeds are stratified, they can be sown in a mixture of soil and sand. The seedlings will usually sprout in about two weeks, and they can be transplanted after they develop a good root system.
2. Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings are another method of propagating Corylus fargesii. The best time to take softwood cuttings is during the early summer when the shrub is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and they should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
3. Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Corylus fargesii. The best time to take hardwood cuttings is during the winter dormancy period. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems and should be about 9-12 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of soil and sand, and they should be kept moist until they root. After rooting, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
4. Division
Dividing Corylus fargesii is another method of propagating the plant. This method is best used on mature plants that have been in the ground for several years. The plant should be dug up, and the root ball should be divided into several sections. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. The divided sections can then be replanted in a suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus Fargesii
Corylus fargesii is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Betulaceae. The plant is also known as the Farges Filbert or the Chinese Filbert and it is native to China. To maintain healthy Corylus fargesii trees, it is important to keep them free from diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plants along with strategies to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: The fungal leaf spots are caused by the fungi Phyllosticta or Entomosporium. This disease affects the leaves of the plant and appears as yellow or black spots. The infected leaves often dry out and fall off. It is essential to remove infected leaves and branches. You can also apply fungicides on the leaves to reduce fungal infections.
Hazel Blight: The hazel blight is a fungal disease caused by the microorganism Bostryosphaeria. It typically begins to appear in the spring and is characterized by wilting and brown leaves. Hazelnut blight is treated with several fungicides that should be applied during drier weather before symptoms begin to appear.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that attack plants, causing leaf curling. Aphids should be treated with insecticidal soaps and can be controlled using natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Mites: Mites are microscopic pests that reside on the underside of the leaves and produce yellow stippling on the top of the leaves. The mites gradually consume the foliage, weakening the tree. They can be dealt with using acaricides or horticultural oil.
Fruit Worms: The most common fruit worm that consumes Corylus fargesii is the filbert worm. It collects inside the nut, feeds until it matures, then makes an exit hole and crawls out. Fruit trees are typically sprayed with insecticides for about three weeks while the nuts are growing to prevent worms from entering the nuts.
Incorporating disease and pest management practices with good planting techniques such as planting in well-draining soil, keeping plants well watered, well-pruned and maintained will guarantee healthy plants.
