Filbert (Corylus maxima)

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

Corylus maxima is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in oil. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rich in oil.; Large and well flavoured, it can be eaten raw, cooked in cakes, pies, breads etc or used to make a plant milk.; The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, hedges and ravines. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)