Turkish Hazel

The Turkish Hazel is a remarkably handsome and robust deciduous tree, often chosen for its neat, symmetrical, pyramidal habit and its tolerance of tough urban conditions. It has large, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that provide dense shade in the summer and turn yellow-bronze in autumn. In late winter, it produces long, decorative yellow catkins that hang from the bare branches, providing early interest. These are followed by edible hazelnuts encased in unusual, fringed, corky husks. Perhaps its most striking feature is its pale, corky, and deeply fissured bark, which matures beautifully and adds significant winter appeal. Fully hardy (H7), it is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in a wide range of soils, including heavy clay and chalk. It is a large tree at maturity, so it needs adequate space, but it is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, long-lived specimen or avenue tree. It is pest-resistant and very reliable in the UK climate.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil, including chalk and clay.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Feb, Mar.