Corylus 'Colurna'| Turkish Hazel - Height 280-310cm -Girth 10-12cm - 45lt

Corylus colurna, commonly known as the Turkish hazel, is a distinctive deciduous tree valued for its hardiness, ornamental qualities, and tolerance of challenging urban environments. Native to south-eastern Europe and western Asia, it is the largest species within the hazel genus, capable of reaching heights of 20–25 metres with a broad, pyramidal crown that gradually becomes more rounded with age.

One of its most striking features is its deeply furrowed, corky bark, which develops an attractive, rugged texture even on relatively young trees. This characteristic, combined with its strong, upright form, gives the tree a notable architectural presence in parks, avenues, and large gardens. The foliage consists of broad, heart-shaped leaves that are coarsely toothed and provide a dense canopy. They emerge a fresh green in spring, mature to a deeper shade in summer, and may turn soft yellow in autumn, though the seasonal display is generally modest.

In late winter to early spring, the tree produces long, pale-yellow catkins, which dangle decoratively before the leaves appear. These are the male flowers, while the female flowers are much smaller and less conspicuous, identifiable only by their tiny crimson stigmas. The resulting fruit is a small, hard-shelled nut partially enclosed in a frilly, deeply cut husk. Although edible, the nuts are typically smaller and less commercially significant than those of the common hazel.

Corylus colurna is especially appreciated for its resilience. It withstands pollution, compacted soils, drought, and cold, making it an excellent choice for urban planting or exposed sites. Its deep root system allows it to anchor securely and contributes to its tolerance of dry conditions once established. Overall, the Turkish hazel is a robust, handsome tree that combines ornamental beauty with exceptional practicality.