Overview of Corylus Sieboldiana Mandschurica
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica, commonly known as the mandshurica hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Betulaceae family. The plant is native to northeastern Asia, specifically China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East.
General Appearance
The mandshurica hazelnut plant typically grows up to a height of 10-15 feet and spreads as wide as 6-12 feet. The plant has a rounded, spreading habit with branches that are slightly pendulous. The bark on the branches and trunk is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The plant's leaves are alternate and broadly ovate in shape. The foliage is dark green in color, turning to yellow and red shades in autumn.
The Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica produces male and female flowers on separate plants. The male flowers of the plant are produced in yellowish-brown catkins, which are pendulous and up to 4 inches long. The female flowers, on the other hand, are inconspicuous, small, and oval-shaped.
Common Names
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica is known by several common names, including the mandshurica hazelnut, Manchurian hazelnut, Siberian hazelnut, or Chinese hazelnut, among others.
Uses
The mandshurica hazelnut plant is primarily grown as an ornamental shrub. It is an excellent choice for landscape designs and makes a great addition to any garden or backyard. The plant produces attractive foliage and has a spreading form that makes it ideal for use as a specimen plant or hedge.
However, the plant is also grown for its edible nuts, which are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The nuts are smaller in size as compared to other hazelnut varieties but are known for their distinctive flavor. The hardy nature of the plant makes it an excellent choice for colder climates, which makes it easier to grow the plant for its nuts without any difficulties.
Aside from its culinary use, the plant is also known for its medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and nuts of the mandshurica hazelnut are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory issues, and various other health conditions.
Light Requirements
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica grows best in a location with partial shade. The plant can tolerate full sun, but it needs protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn. It is recommended to place the plant where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or in a location that provides dappled shade throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in a cool to moderate climate. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. The plant can survive winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica prefers a moist, well-draining soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. The plant can tolerate sandy or loamy soils as long as they are fertile and able to retain moisture. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve the soil's texture and nutrient content. It is important to avoid soils that are boggy or have poor drainage since these conditions can cause root rot and other issues.
Cultivation Methods
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica, commonly known as Manchurian hazel, is a deciduous shrub that prefers full sun or partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or by grafting.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is important in the first year after planting to ensure establishment. Once established, Manchurian hazel is drought-tolerant and only requires watering during prolonged periods of dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week as opposed to light watering daily to encourage deep root growth and plant survival.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done in early spring just before the plant begins to bloom. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 and apply according to package instructions. Avoid overfertilization as this can lead to excessive growth and reduce fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is best done in early spring before the plant begins to bloom. Manchurian hazel produces catkins and fruit on one-year-old wood, so it is important to prune out any old wood to encourage new growth and fruit production. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead wood, and prune to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
Propagation of Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica, commonly known as Manchurian filbert, is a beautiful ornamental shrub that can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a simple method but it may not be a reliable way of propagating Manchurian filbert. The seeds should be sown as soon as they are ripe in containers filled with good quality potting soil. The seeds should be kept moist, but not wet, and place them in a well-lit area that is protected from direct sunlight. The seeds of Manchurian filbert generally take four to eight weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings grow, they can be transplanted to individual pots to grow a bit stronger and then, when they are strong enough, planted out into the garden.
Cuttings Propagation
The best time to take cuttings of Manchurian filbert is during the late spring or early summer when the stems are still relatively soft and not woody. Cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long and should be taken from a healthy, mature plant. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a potting mix. For best results, use a mix of sand and perlite to ensure proper drainage. Water the cutting frequently to keep the soil moist and place it in a well-lit area but avoid exposing to direct sunlight. Roots may start developing in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is an easy method of propagation that can be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is still in its dormant period. Choose a stem of the plant and make a small wound on the stem. Then add some rooting hormone to the wound, cover it with a ball of moist sphagnum moss, and wrap that around the wound with plastic wrap. Keep the area moist and wait until the roots have grown to a good size, which may take up to six months. Once the roots have grown, remove the moss and wrap and cut the rooted stem from the parent plant and pot in a well-draining container.
With any of these methods, patience is key. It may take some time before you start seeing any results, but the reward will be worth it in the end. Remember to give the new plants an adequate amount of water to keep them growing strong, and also to avoid overcrowding the plants in the garden to ensure they will grow to their fullest potential.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus Sieboldiana Mandschurica
Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica, commonly known as Manchurian hazelnut, is a popular plant and is grown widely in different parts of the world. Like any other plant, Manchurian hazelnut is also vulnerable to diseases and pests that may affect its growth and yield. The following are some of the common pests and diseases that can affect Manchurian hazelnut and how to manage them.
Pests that Affect Corylus Sieboldiana Mandschurica
Hazelnut Weevils: Weevils are small beetles that usually feed on nuts, fruits, and flowers of the plant. The hazelnut weevils (Curculio nucum) damage the kernel of the nut and thereby reduce the quality of the nut. Handpicking the affected nuts can provide some control.
Nut Curculio: The nut curculio (Conotrachelus spp.) is another beetle that causes damage to the hazelnut by infesting the nuts. Early harvest can help reduce damage.
Hazelnut Aphid: The hazelnut aphid is a small sap-sucking insect that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphid populations.
Diseases that Affect Corylus Sieboldiana Mandschurica
Filbert Blight: Filbert blight is a fungal disease that causes cankers on the stems and branches of the hazelnut plant. The infected areas become brown, and the leaves may wilt and die. Pruning out diseased wood can help control the spread of the disease.
Eastern Filbert Blight: Eastern Filbert Blight is another fungus that causes cankers that girdle the stem of the plant. The leaves turn yellow, and the plant dies. Pruning out diseased wood and applying fungicides can help control the disease.
Corylus Twig Blight: Corylus Twig Blight is a fungal disease that causes the twigs and branches of the hazelnut to wilt and die. The infected areas turn dark brown or black, and the leaves may drop off. Pruning out diseased wood and removing debris from around the base of the plant can help control the disease.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases that affect Corylus Sieboldiana Mandschurica is important for its healthy growth and yield. Regular pruning, timely harvest, use of natural predators, and fungicidal sprays when necessary can help control pests and diseases.
