Cosford hazelnut Corylus avellana 'Cosford' (F)
ABOUT
Corylus avellana 'Cosford', more commonly known as the 'Cosford' hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub known for its attractive form and edible nuts. This cultivar boasts a rounded shape with a branching structure that gives it a bushy appearance. The leaves are round to oval, with a doubly serrated edge and a pointed tip, exhibiting a vibrant green hue that turns to shades of yellow in the fall, adding seasonal color to gardens. In the spring, 'Cosford' hazelnut produces male catkins that dangle from the branches, elongated and yellow, contributing an ornamental appeal. The female flowers are much smaller, red, and less conspicuous. These flowers are wind-pollinated, leading to the development of the nuts for which the hazelnut is cultivated. The nuts are encased in a fibrous husk that is longer than the nut itself, featuring a fringed edge. As the nuts mature, they turn from green to a deep, brown color, indicating their readiness for harvest. The texture of 'Cosford' hazelnut's bark is smooth, boasting a grayish-brown color that becomes more textured with age. As a cultivated variety of hazelnut, 'Cosford' is especially valued for its thin shells and sweet kernels, making it an excellent choice for both culinary uses and garden aesthetics. Its overall appearance, from foliage to nuts, provides visual interest and practical yields.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae
Synonyms
Cosford Cobnut, Cosford Hazelnut
Common names
Corylus avellana 'Cosford'
ToxicityTo humans
The Corylus avellana 'Cosford', commonly known as hazelnut or filbert, is generally not considered toxic to humans. The nuts produced by this plant are widely eaten and are not poisonous. However, some individuals may have allergic reactions to hazelnuts, which can result in symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. It is important to differentiate between toxicity and allergic reactions, as the latter is specific to individuals with allergies to tree nuts.
To pets
Hazelnut or filbert is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Pets that ingest hazelnuts could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fat content in the nuts or if they are not accustomed to eating them. However, the plant itself does not contain substances known to be poisonous to pets. As with any non-typical food, moderation is important, and owners should be cautious about the potential for obstruction if a pet ingests whole nuts, especially for smaller animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
8-13 feet (2.4-4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Nuts: Produces hazelnuts, which are a nutritious source of food high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts wildlife such as birds and small mammals, which feed on its nuts.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Supports biodiversity by providing pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive foliage and catkins.
- Windbreak: Can be planted in rows to act as windbreaks, reducing soil erosion and protecting other plants.
- Hedge Plant: Suitable for hedging due to its dense foliage, offering privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought with minimal watering requirements.
- Soil Improvement: Helps improve soil quality with its leaf litter, which decomposes and adds organic matter.
- Cold Hardy: Resilient in cold climates, making it suitable for a wide range of temperate regions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Wood Production: Wood can be used for small-scale crafts, furniture making, and in the production of charcoal.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the hazel tree is flexible and strong, making it ideal for crafting walking sticks, frames for coracle boats, and various other woodworking projects.
- Water Divining: Hazel branches have traditionally been used as divining rods for locating underground water sources.
- Fencing Material: The long, straight shoots of hazel can be woven to create hurdles and fencing, a technique known as wattle work.
- Natural Dyes: The green foliage and catkins of the hazel can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles.
- Filbert Nut Novelty Items: The empty shells of hazelnuts can be crafted into miniature figures or used in decorative mosaics and assemblages.
- Biodynamic Farming: Hazel is sometimes used in biodynamic plantings and preparations to influence the growth and vitality of other plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting hazel provides cover and food for wildlife, which can help increase biodiversity in the area.
- Truffle Cultivation: Some hazel trees are inoculated with truffle spores, as they form a symbiotic relationship which can produce valuable truffles at the base of the tree.
- Charcoal Production: Hazel wood is suitable for making artist's charcoal because of its fine grain and consistency.
- Education and Conservation: Hazel trees can be used in educational programs to teach about plant reproduction and conservation of traditional plant varieties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hazelnut tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hazelnut tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom and Inspiration: The hazelnut tree, of which Corylus avellana 'Cosford' is a cultivar, has been historically associated with wisdom and inspiration. In ancient times, hazelnuts were believed to impart knowledge and inspiration.
- Fertility: Due to its prolific production of nuts, the hazelnut tree is often a symbol of fertility and abundance, suggesting the potential for new growth and productivity.
- Protection: In folklore, hazelnut trees were thought to offer protection. People used to carry hazelnuts in their pockets or hang them in their homes to ward off evil and ensure divine protection.
- Reconciliation: Branches of hazelnut trees were historically used to make 'peace wands,' intended to end conflicts and bring about reconciliation between adversaries.
WaterThe common hazelnut, or Corylus avellana 'Cosford', should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone, which is essential especially during the plant's growing season in spring and summer. Watering should occur once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering. In winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture during dormancy. It is preferable to water in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightThe common hazelnut thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureThe common hazelnut is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 4 through 8, able to withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F to -30°F. During the growing season, temperatures between 60°F and 75°F are ideal for the hazelnut to thrive but it can tolerate summer highs up to 100°F.
PruningPruning common hazelnut is important for promoting good air circulation, shape, and to remove any dead or diseased wood. It’s best to prune in late winter before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, with a focus on thinning out older stems to allow light to penetrate and encourage new growth from the base. It is also an opportunity to shape the tree and control its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common Hazel, specifically the 'Cosford' variety, is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It benefits from a mixture of garden soil, compost, and some sand to improve drainage. Adding organic matter annually will keep the soil fertile and conducive to growth.
RepottingThe common Hazel 'Cosford' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is a large shrub or small tree planted directly in the ground. If grown in a container, young hazel plants may require repotting every 2-3 years to provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingThe common Hazel 'Cosford' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and thrives in the outdoor environment where the natural humidity is generally sufficient, with no specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; needs space, light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Cosford' hazelnut (Corylus avellana 'Cosford' (F)) begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the spring, when the temperature and soil moisture levels are favorable. As a deciduous shrub, it then enters the vegetative growth stage, developing a branching structure and leafing out to photosynthesize and provide energy for growth. Yearly, it produces male catkins and small red female flowers; cross-pollination is essential for nut development, often requiring pollen from a compatible hazelnut variety. Following successful pollination in early to mid-spring, the nuts develop over the summer, maturing by late summer or early autumn. Once mature, the nuts are harvested, and the plant enters dormancy during the cold winter months, shedding its leaves. This cycle repeats each year as the plant grows, eventually reaching maturity where it can produce substantial crops for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The European hazelnut, specifically the Corylus avellana 'Cosford', can be propagated most effectively through layering, which ideally should take place in late winter or early spring. This method involves bending a low-growing, flexible branch down to the ground and partially burying it in soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. A small notch may be made in the underside of the branch to encourage root formation. The buried section should be kept moist until roots develop, which usually happens by the following growing season. Once a good root system has established, the new plant can be severed from the mother plant and transplanted to its desired location. This method of propagation maintains the cultivar's characteristics and ensures that the offspring will be true to the parent plant.
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