Corylus ferox aka Himalayan Hazel

Corylus ferox is a deciduous hazel in the birch family, Betulaceae. Its common names include Himalayan hazel and Tibetan hazelnut. It comes from Asia, from the central Himalayas into China. Its range also includes Bhutan, Nepal, India and northern Myanmar. It grows in mountain forests and on wooded slopes. Records place it at 4,920–12,470 feet [1,500–3,800 metres]. Kew lists its form as a shrub. Plants For A Future describes a tree reaching 33 feet [10 metres].

This hazel sheds its leaves for winter. Each plant bears separate male and female flowers. Wind carries pollen between the flowers. Its seeds ripen from mid to late autumn. They are small, with thick shells and a filbert-like taste. People can eat the seeds raw or cooked. The seeds also yield an edible oil. Unshelled seeds may keep for at least a year when stored cool. Squirrels may take the crop, so the seeds may need protection.

Grow this hazel in sun or partial shade. It suits woodland gardens and the edges of wooded areas. It prefers moist soil and grows well in loam. It can also grow in sandy or clay soils. Soil with moderate fertility gives better seed crops. Rich, heavy soil and very poor soil suit it less well. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and alkaline soils. It can grow in strongly alkaline ground but dislikes very acid soil. Plants tolerate strong wind, but not salt-laden coastal exposure.

Plants For A Future calls this an easy plant to grow. It lists USDA zones 7–10 and cold tolerance around −5 to −10°C. Colder sites may therefore limit its use. Fresh seed is best sown in autumn in a cold frame. It may sprout in late winter or spring. Stored seed needs soaking, then warm and cold treatment. Keep young plants sheltered through their first winter. Set them out in late spring or early summer. Autumn layering and spring sucker division offer other ways to raise plants.

Besides its edible crop, this hazel provides soft, even-grained wood. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal uses. The same source lists no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for every person or animal. Its stated weed potential is low. The supplied species evidence gives no named pests or diseases beyond squirrels taking seeds.