Corylus chinensis aka Chinese Filbert

Corylus chinensis, or Chinese hazel, belongs to the birch family, Betulaceae. It comes from south-central China, including parts of Yunnan and Sichuan. It grows in mixed forests and on moist mountain slopes. Its native climate is temperate. Plants For A Future reports that it has become rare in China. That account describes a threat of extinction, but gives no formal conservation category.

This deciduous tree has spreading limbs that form a broad crown. Plants For A Future gives a height of 79 feet [24 metres]. Oregon State records wild trees reaching about 140 feet [40 metres]. The supplied sources do not define a usual garden size. Broad, simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the shoots. Their shapes range from oval to long and oval. Each leaf has fine, even teeth and an uneven, heart-shaped base. New leaves emerge in shades of red and maroon.

The tree bears male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers form catkins, and wind carries the pollen. Plants For A Future lists flowering from April to May. It also describes the species as self-fertile. The fruits grow in groups of four to six. Each has a cup-like husk with teeth around its rim. Seeds ripen from September to October. They contain much oil and can be eaten raw or cooked. They also yield an edible oil. Squirrels may take the crop before harvest.

Chinese hazel grows in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist ground but withstands drought once established. Loam suits it well, though it accepts several soil textures. Moderate soil fertility supports better seed crops than very rich or poor ground. Alkaline soils suit it, while strongly acid soils do not. It tolerates wind and does not send up suckers. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. Oregon State suggests zone 6, with some doubt.

Its broad crown gives it value as an ornamental tree. It can form part of a woodland garden or food forest. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. Seed offers one way to raise new plants. Fresh seed can be sown in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs treatment with warmth and cold before it sprouts. The same source reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. It does not identify specific pests or diseases beyond squirrels taking seeds.