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Corylus colurna: The Turkish Hazel

The Corylus colurna, commonly known as Turkish hazel or Turkish filbert, is a notable deciduous tree with significant economic and ecological ties to specific regions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corylus colurna
• Common Names: Turkish hazel, Turkish filbert
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southeast Europe and southwest Asia, ranging from the Balkans through northern Turkey.
• Also found in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Turkish hazel is the largest species of hazel, reaching well over 20 meters (65 feet).
• Can grow to 40-50 feet (less frequently to 80 feet) tall.
• It has a stout, long trunk and branches that form a pyramidal shape.
• It has a wide conical form and is a slow-growing, medium-sized tree, typically reaching 12-15 meters in height.
• The leaves are ovoid and cordate (heart-shaped).
• Catkins appear before the leaves.

Ecological Role

• It is tolerant of heat, drought, and cold.
• It's considered an excellent hardy tree for lawns, street plantings, and urban conditions.
• Its heavy-textured, dark green foliage is relatively free of insect and disease problems.

Economic Significance

• Hazelnuts are produced in commercial quantities in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, and Serbia.
• Turkey is the world's largest hazelnut producer, accounting for a large percentage of global hazelnut exports.
• The hazelnut industry is a major economic driver in northeastern Turkey, particularly along the Black Sea coast (e.g., Giresun and Ordu provinces).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The most harmful pests affecting hazelnut yield and quality are the big bud mite and the hazelnut weevil.

Resources and Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Turkish Hazelnut Promotion Group