Overview
Corylus rostrata Ait., also known as beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Betulaceae. The plant is characterized by its interesting appearance and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Description
The beaked hazelnut can grow up to 6 meters tall, but typically only reaches a height of 1-2 meters. The plant has oval or elliptical leaves with a pointed tip that are finely serrated. The flower of this plant usually blooms in late winter or early spring and is characterized by yellowish-brown petals that are in the shape of catkins.
Origin
Corylus rostrata Ait. is native to North America and has been found in various states in the USA, including Alaska, Washington, and Michigan. It is also found in some parts of Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as beaked hazelnut in English. In some other regions, it is also known as rostrate hazelnut or North American hazelnut.
Uses
The plant is used for various purposes. The nut of the beaked hazelnut is edible and has been consumed by indigenous people for centuries. The plant is also used for its medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments, including jaundice, sore throat, and fever. The bark of this plant is used for basket weaving and other crafts. Additionally, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its interesting appearance.
Growth Conditions for Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait., commonly known as beaked hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub species native to North America. It typically grows in thickets and wooded areas, usually on upland slopes, in the understory of forests, and along stream banks.
Light Requirements
Beaked hazelnut grows well in partially shaded to fully shaded conditions. It is adapted to growing in the understory of forests where it receives filtered to dappled sunlight. However, it can also tolerate full sun if the soil remains moist. When grown in full sun, it is important to ensure that the plant receives adequate water, especially during extended periods of drought.
Temperature Requirements
Beaked hazelnut is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C. It is well adapted to growing in regions where winters are cold, such as the northern United States and Canada. It has a chilling requirement of approximately 800-1000 hours below 7.2°C, which means that it needs a certain period of cold weather before it can break dormancy and begin growing in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Beaked hazelnut has a wide range of soil tolerances and can grow well in many different soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soils, and does not tolerate soils that are waterlogged. It thrives in soils that are moderately acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Although it can tolerate a range of soil textures, it prefers sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter.
Overall, beaked hazelnut is a hardy shrub that is well adapted to growing in a variety of conditions. Proper management practices, such as providing adequate water and ensuring good soil drainage, can help promote healthy growth and production of nuts.
Cultivation Methods for Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait., commonly known as beaked hazelnut, is a small deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3-4 meters in height. It can be cultivated in various soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or by transplanting suckers from the base of the main stem.
The seedlings should be planted in spring or fall with a spacing of 1-2 meters between them. Before planting, the soil should be prepared by adding organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. The plant should be positioned in a spot that receives full sun or partial shade, depending on the climate.
Watering Needs for Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait. prefers moist, well-drained soil. It requires regular watering during the first year of growth to establish its roots. Afterward, it can tolerate short periods of drought, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering can be detrimental to the plant, so it is important to maintain moderate moisture levels, especially during the growing season.
Fertilization of Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait. requires moderate fertilization for optimal growth. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can be applied in the spring, just before the plant begins to grow. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied, following the manufacturer's instructions. The fertilization should be repeated once a year, preferably in early spring or late fall.
Pruning of Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote good health. It can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The dead or diseased branches should be removed, and the suckers should also be thinned out to promote better growth. It is also important to remove crossing or rubbing branches to prevent damage to the plant. Overall, a light pruning is sufficient to keep the plant in good condition.
Propagation of Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus rostrata Ait., commonly known as beaked hazelnut, can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Corylus rostrata Ait. Seeds can either be purchased online or collected from mature plants. Seeds should be sown in the fall in a seedbed or in pots filled with moist growing media. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they become well-established.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method for propagating Corylus rostrata Ait. This method involves taking stem cuttings from established plants and rooting them in a rooting hormone. Cuttings should be taken in the summer and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Division
Division is a less common method for propagating Corylus rostrata Ait. This method involves dividing the root mass of a mature plant into smaller sections. Each section should contain several stems and a healthy root mass. The divisions should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they become established.
Ultimately, propagating Corylus rostrata Ait. through any of these methods can produce a plant with desirable characteristics and is an opportunity to experience the joy of growing plants from scratch.
Disease Management
Corylus rostrata (Beaked hazelnut) is susceptible to various types of diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Filbert Yellow Mosaic Virus: It is a common disease that causes yellow mottling and general yellowing of the leaves. It may result in leaf deformation and stunting of the plant. Practices that reduce the populations of aphids – the vectors of this virus – can help prevent the infection. Additionally, aphid-resistant plant varieties can be planted to avoid the incidence of the disease.
- Corylus Blight: The disease is characterized by the development of small sunken lesions on the bark of branches or stems. Infected tissue will die, eventually giving rise to cankers. Pruning away diseased branches helps to control the spread of the infection. The pruning should be done below the diseased area, making sure not to leave any stubs behind.
- Rust: Rust disease affects the foliage of Corylus rostrata producing yellow spots on the top of leaves and yellow/orange pustules on the bottom. The best way to control rust is through the use of fungicides that contain copper. Care should be taken to apply the fungicides only as per the instructions.
Pest Management
Corylus rostrata is vulnerable to pests such as hazelnut weevils, aphids, and mites. Proper pest management practices are essential to limit the damage caused by these pests. The following measures can be taken to manage the pests:
- Aphids: They are responsible for transmitting virus diseases. Handpicking or pruning away affected parts of the plant can help in pest management. Predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to control aphid populations.
- Mites: Mites may cause discoloration, premature foliar drop, and stunted plant growth. Consistent pruning of affected plant parts and the subsequent removal of infested debris/nests helps reduce the pest incidence. Frequent application of organic sprays and the introduction of predatory insects can also be helpful in controlling mites.
- Hazelnut Weevils: Adults feed on nuts and leaf tissue while the larvae feed on the kernel and can cause significant damage. Handpicking and destroying affected fruits and nuts is an effective way of managing the weevils. Pheromone traps can also be used to capture and kill the insects.
