Popular in traditional orchards for nut production, and an ideal dual-purpose small tree for gardens. Introduced 1759.

Native to south-east Europe, from Turkey to the Balkans.

Monoecious. Wind-pollinated. Seeds dispersed by birds and mammals.

Height 10m, multi-stemmed. Bark dull. Leaves oval, usually distinctly lobed, margins sharply serrate. Fruit a nut, longer and thinner than Hazel, nestling in a tube of long bristly bracts, extending beyond the nut.

Usually grown in orchards for nut production. Plant in full sun. Prune in February to encourage vigorous growth and an airy structure.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally healthy.

Nut production. Various cultivars exist, including ‘Purpurea’ with dramatic purple foliage and red-tinted catkins, making it attractive in gardens for its sweet nuts and colour.