Herb: Turkish Hazel


Latin name: Corylus colurna


Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)



Medicinal use of Turkish Hazel:

The seeds are tonic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
20 m
(66 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Shady mixed forests, 1000 - 1800 metres in E. Asia. Found at altitudes up to 3000 metres in the Himalayas where it is found mainly on northerly aspects and in shady places.

Edible parts of Turkish Hazel:

Seed - raw or cooked. Rich in oil. As nice a flavour as C. avellana, the common hazel nut. The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels. When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Other uses of the herb:

Wood - firm, durable, moderately hard. Used for furniture, turnery etc.

Propagation of Turkish Hazel:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is harvested in autumn in a cold frame. Germinates in late winter or spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or sheltered place outdoors for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Layering in autumn. Easy, it takes about 6 months.

Cultivation of the herb:

Shady mixed forests, 1000 - 1800 metres in E. Asia. Found at altitudes up to 3000 metres in the Himalayas where it is found mainly on northerly aspects and in shady places.

Known hazards of Corylus colurna:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.