Chinese Hazel (Corylus chinensis)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Corylus chinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 24 m (78ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil. — Seed - raw or cooked.; A shrub at Kew was 2 metres tall and 2 metres wide in July 1996 with a reasonable crop of immature fruit.; The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels.; When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months.

Habitat & North American Range

Shady mixed forests. Forests on moist mountain slopes at levations of 1200 - 3500 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)