Herb: Siberian Filbert


Latin name: Corylus heterophylla


Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)



Medicinal use of Siberian Filbert:

The seed is digestive and appetizer.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
7 m
(23 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Wood margins and mountain slopes, forming dense thickets from E. Mongolia to N. China.

Edible parts of Siberian Filbert:

Seed - raw or cooked. The seed, which has a hard shell, is of relatively good flavour. Rich in oil. 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.

Propagation of the herb:

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. Division of suckers in early spring. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Cultivation of Siberian Filbert:

Wood margins and mountain slopes, forming dense thickets from E. Mongolia to N. China.

Known hazards of Corylus heterophylla:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.