tree RHS Award

Turkish Filbert

Corylus colurna

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Southeast Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic, nuts are edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Corylus colurna is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a distinctive, uniform pyramidal shape and attractive, corky bark that becomes more pronounced with age. This species is highly valued for its tolerance of difficult urban conditions, including drought, air pollution, and a wide range of soil types, making it an excellent street tree.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its strong pyramidal form provides a formal, stately presence in the landscape year-round. The deeply textured, corky bark and long, pendulous yellow catkins in late winter add significant ornamental value, especially in the dormant season.

This is one of the best trees for tough urban environments due to its high tolerance for pollution, drought, and varied soils. It is a low-maintenance shade tree that does not produce suckers and has minimal litter.

The nuts are a valuable food source for squirrels and other wildlife. The tree can also serve as a nesting site for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the native soil, removing any large rocks or debris.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch around the base, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and regularly for the first two years to establish a deep root system, which is key to its future drought tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and nut production.
Water regularly during the establishment period.
Allow ample space for its mature size.
Prune only to maintain a single leader and remove problem branches.

Don't

Do not plant in consistently wet or boggy soils.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which will result in a sparse canopy.
Don't amend the backfill soil heavily; use native soil.
Avoid wounding the bark with mowers or string trimmers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and stately street treeArchitectural specimen for large lawnsShade tree for parks and campuses

Companion Plants

Ginkgo biloba Tilia cordata Quercus rubra Ulmus 'Princeton' Celtis occidentalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Turkish Filbert questions

What zones can Turkish Filbert grow in?

Turkish Filbert is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Turkish Filbert deer resistant?

Yes — Turkish Filbert is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Turkish Filbert bloom?

Turkish Filbert typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Turkish Filbert need full sun?

Turkish Filbert does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Turkish Filbert drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Turkish Filbert handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.