Hazelnut trees are among the oldest deciduous trees in our latitudes. The nuts of the robust tree, which grew as early as 6,000 years before Christ, are highly valued not only by humans, but also by squirrels and other animals.
What does the hazelnut tree look like as a deciduous tree?
The hazelnut tree (Corylus avellana) belongs to the birch family, grows up to six meters high and can live 100 years. The leaves are rounded, serrated, velvety and the nuts are harvested in autumn. Hazelnut trees need at least one other tree to fertilize in order to bear many nuts.
Hazelnut tree from the birch family
The botanical name of the hazelnut, also known as the common hazel, is Corylus avellana. This is a deciduous deciduous tree that often occurs in shrub form.
The tree is hardy and can easily tolerate frosts down to minus 30 degrees.
The distribution of the hazelnut tree
Hazelnut trees are particularly widespread in Central Europe. They grow on the edges of roads and forests as well as in mixed forests. They are often planted in the garden as a hazelnut hedge.
Because the tree is very robust, it can also withstand extreme temperatures such as those found in Northern Europe or Asia Minor. Hazelnuts are also quite common there in nature.
Hazelnut trees grow this high
Over time, the trees reach a height of up to six meters. Hazelnut trees usually consist of several side branches. A solid single trunk like the birch or beech is very rare.
Hazelnut trees get quite old
Hazelnut trees can live up to 100 years. From the tenth year you can harvest nuts from the tree.
The bark of the hazelnut tree
The trunks, which can reach a diameter of 18 centimeters, do not form a typical bark. They remain smooth and have a light brown color.
The leaves of the hazelnut
The leaves are rounded to egg-shaped and light to medium green in color. They reach a length of five to six centimeters. They are very jagged at the edges. The botanist speaks of “sawn” here.
Small hairs form on the underside of the leaf, giving the leaves a velvety feel.
Hazelnut trees reproduce through hazelnuts
Depending on the weather, hazelnut trees begin to bloom in February. They form yellow catkins, which serve as the bees' first food in spring.
Hazelnuts develop from the flowers. Hazelnuts are harvested in autumn when the nuts have turned brown and fall to the ground.
Hazelnut trees are not self-pollinating. You always need to plant at least two trees or bushes if you want to harvest a lot of hazelnuts.
Hazelnuts in the kitchen
Hazelnuts are particularly valued as a baking ingredient. But hazelnut leaves can also be used in the kitchen. Tea made from the leaves is used in natural medicine for various ailments.
How the wood from hazelnut trees is used
The wood can be used for more than just building furniture. It is often used for:
- Wooden fences
- Tool handles
- Carvings
- Walking sticks
- Wooden furniture
Tips & Tricks
The pollen from the catkins, which bloom on the hazelnut trees in early spring, triggers hay fever in many people. Allergy sufferers also react to the hazelnuts themselves with severe symptoms.
