Turkish Hazelnut

Turkish Hazelnut: A Majestic Shade Tree for Spacious Landscapes

If you’re looking for a substantial shade tree that can handle tough conditions while providing year-round interest, the Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna var. colurna) might just be the stately giant your landscape needs. This impressive deciduous tree brings Old World charm to modern gardens, though it’s definitely not for small spaces!

What Is Turkish Hazelnut?

Turkish hazelnut is a large deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, particularly Turkey and the Balkan region. While it’s not native to North America, this robust tree has found its way into many landscapes thanks to its impressive size, attractive appearance, and tough-as-nails growing habits.

Why You Might (Or Might Not) Want This Tree

Let’s be honest – Turkish hazelnut isn’t for everyone. Here’s what makes it appealing and what might give you pause:

Reasons to love it:

Grows into a magnificent specimen tree, reaching 40-60 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide
Beautiful heart-shaped leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall
Interesting corky, furrowed bark adds winter interest
Extremely drought tolerant once established
Thrives in urban conditions and poor soils
Early spring catkins provide nectar for pollinators
Produces edible nuts (though not as large as commercial hazelnuts)

Reasons to think twice:

Requires significant space – not suitable for small yards
Can take 10-15 years to really show its potential
Not native to North America
May not support as much native wildlife as indigenous trees

Native Alternatives to Consider

Since Turkish hazelnut isn’t native, you might want to consider these North American alternatives that provide similar benefits:

American hazelnut (Corylus americana) – smaller but native
American basswood (Tilia americana) – excellent shade tree
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) – spectacular fall color
White oak (Quercus alba) – long-lived and wildlife-friendly

Perfect Spots for Turkish Hazelnut

This tree shines in large-scale landscapes where it has room to spread its branches. Think parks, large residential properties, commercial landscapes, or as a street tree in wide medians. It’s particularly valuable in challenging urban environments where many other trees struggle.

Growing Conditions and Care

One of Turkish hazelnut’s best features is how easygoing it is once established. Here’s what it needs:

Growing Requirements:

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of direct sun preferred)
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, as long as drainage is decent
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water when young
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-7
pH: Tolerates a wide range, from slightly acidic to alkaline

Planting and Care Tips

When to Plant: Fall or early spring when the tree is dormant

Planting Tips:

Choose a location with at least 40 feet of clearance in all directions
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Ongoing Care:

Minimal pruning needed – just remove dead or damaged branches
Water regularly for the first 2-3 years, then let nature take over
Fertilizer usually isn’t necessary in most soils
Watch for typical hazelnut pests like aphids or scale, though problems are rare

Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits

While Turkish hazelnut may not support the full range of native wildlife that indigenous trees do, it still offers some benefits. The early spring catkins provide pollen when few other sources are available, making them valuable for early-season pollinators. Birds may use the tree for nesting, and squirrels will definitely appreciate the nuts!

The Bottom Line

Turkish hazelnut is a solid choice if you have the space and want a low-maintenance shade tree that can handle tough conditions. While it’s not native, it’s also not invasive, making it a reasonable option for large landscapes. However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, consider one of the native alternatives mentioned above. Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve got the room – this is one tree that likes to stretch out and make itself at home!