Corylus maxima aka Filbert

Corylus maxima is a deciduous shrub in the birch family, Betulaceae. Common names include large filbert and Lambert's filbert. Kew places its native range in the northwestern Balkans. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a broader range into western Asia. It grows in woods, hedges and ravines. This temperate plant can also form a small tree.

In gardens, it grows 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 metres) tall. Its spread can reach about 15 feet (4.6 metres). Root suckers can form a broad clump around the plant. Its habit is more tree-like than that of common hazel. Sticky hairs cover the leaves and young twigs. The broad, oval leaves have double-toothed edges and soft hairs. They grow up to 5 inches long and turn yellow in autumn. The fall colour is often plain rather than striking.

Yellow male flowers appear in March. The plant bears both male and female flowers. Its nuts have long husks that reach beyond each shell. These husks help set it apart from common hazel. The seeds ripen in mid to late autumn. Squirrels may take the crop before harvest. The large, oil-rich seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They also suit bread, cakes, pies and plant milk. The seeds yield an edible oil. Unshelled nuts can keep for at least a year when cool.

Grow it in full sun or part shade. Full sun gives the best results, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. It prefers rich, acidic loam with good drainage and moderate moisture. It accepts average soils but dislikes heavy clay without soil improvement. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 4–8. It suits shrub borders, tall hedges and naturalized areas. Gardeners can also grow it for nuts. Keep hedge trimming light when a nut crop matters. Its wood serves for basketry, small furniture and plant supports. The wood also yields charcoal, while seed oil has cosmetic uses.

Care needs are low, though removing suckers can take time. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Leaf spots, blight and crown gall can still occur. Scale, leafhoppers and leaf-eating caterpillars may also attack it. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That hazard record does not establish safety for every pet. Seeds, layering and division of suckers offer ways to raise more plants.