Filbert Corylus maxima 'Kentish Cob' (F)
ABOUT
Kentish Cob is a cultivar of hazelnut known for its attractive appearance and delicious nuts. This plant typically features a multi-stemmed growth habit with a rounded, bushy form. The leaves are large, rounded to oval in shape, and come to a point at the tip. They are double-toothed on the edges and display a vibrant green hue that turns to shades of yellow or gold in the autumn. The most noteworthy feature of the Kentish Cob is its edible nuts, which are larger and longer than those of other hazelnut varieties. The nuts are encased in a fibrous husk that extends beyond the nut itself in a tubular fashion, which is one reason for the name 'Cob'. When they mature, the nuts hang in clusters from the branches, and their brown, woody shells are visible once the husks split open at maturity. Kentish Cob also produces male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are long, slender catkins that hang in clusters, displaying a yellowish color as they release pollen in late winter to early spring. In contrast, the female flowers are much less conspicuous, with only the tiny red stigmas visible poking out from the buds, waiting to catch the pollen. The bark of the plant is smooth and gray in young specimens, becoming more textured and fissured with age. Kentish Cob is appreciated not only for its nuts but also for its ornamental value, as the catkins and the autumn leaf colors add seasonal interest to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae
Synonyms
Filbert, Giant Filbert, Kentish Cob, Large Filbert, European Filbert
Common names
Corylus maxima.
ToxicityTo humans
The Filbert, specifically the Corylus maxima 'Kentish Cob' variety, is not generally considered toxic to humans. In fact, the nuts produced by the plant are edible and commonly eaten. However, individuals with a tree nut allergy could have allergic reactions if they consume the nuts. Such reactions can vary in severity, from mild symptoms like hives, itching, or gastrointestinal discomfort, to severe symptoms like anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
To pets
The Filbert is not known to be toxic to pets. However, as with humans, if a pet has a specific allergy to nuts, consumption could potentially lead to an allergic reaction. For pets, symptoms could include itching, swelling, gastrointestinal upset or difficulty breathing if an allergic reaction occurs. Whilst the nuts are not toxic, they could still pose a risk if a pet overeats or if the hard shells lead to a gastrointestinal blockage. It is always best to exercise caution and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested something that could be harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
13 feet (3.96 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Corylus maxima 'Kentish Cob,' commonly known as 'Filbert' or 'Hazel,' has attractive foliage and catkins that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Edible Nuts: Produces edible nuts that can be used in various culinary applications and are a valuable food source for wildlife.
- Shade Provision: As a medium-sized shrub or small tree, it can provide shade in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It offers habitat and food for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system helps in preventing soil erosion.
- Windbreak: Can be used as part of hedgerows or shelterbelts to protect against wind.
- Biodiversity Support: Supports a variety of insects and other invertebrates essential for a healthy ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Material: The wood of Kentish Cob can be used for making small handicrafts, such as jewelry or intricate carvings, due to its fine grain and workability.
- Dye Production: The catkins and leaves can be processed to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding varying shades depending on the mordant used.
- Plant Supports: Sturdier branches can be repurposed as natural and aesthetically pleasing plant supports in gardens, blending seamlessly with the environment.
- Environmental Education: Kentish Cob can be planted in educational settings like schools and nature centers to teach about plant life cycles and the importance of pollinators.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage can provide shelter for small wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Photography Prop: The attractive catkins and distinct foliage can be used as subjects or backdrops in nature photography and botanical studies.
- Soil Stabilization: Kentish Cob can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize soil with its root system.
- Culinary Smoking: Wood shavings can be used for smoking meats and cheeses to impart a unique flavor that's distinct from other hardwoods.
- Traditional Games: Hazelnuts can be used to play the game of 'conkers' where children string them and take turns trying to break each other's nut.
- Natural Mulch: Fallen leaves and pruned branches can be shredded and used as mulch to enrich the soil and suppress weeds around other plants.
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- Protection: As a species of hazel, Corylus maxima 'Kentish Cob' shares the hazel's symbolism of protection, believed to guard against negative energy and offer a shield from harm.
- Wisdom: Hazel plants are traditionally associated with wisdom and knowledge, often seen as a symbol of intellectual growth and enlightenment.
- Fertility: The nuts of the hazel, including those from the 'Kentish Cob', are symbolic of fertility and abundance, representing the potential for new life.
- Divination: Hazel has historical links to divination practices, where its branches were used as dowsing rods to find water or hidden treasures.
- Reconciliation: In folklore, hazel branches were thought to possess the power to reconcile differences and bring peace, extending to the 'Kentish Cob' derived from hazel trees.
WaterThe Kentish Cob hazelnut requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growth in the spring and summer. It should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but well-drained. During hot or dry periods, it may require additional water, especially if planted in a sandy or very well-draining soil. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per watering session, adjusting for rainfall. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, providing enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
LightKentish Cob hazelnut trees perform best in full sun to partial shade. They need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily but will appreciate more if available. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to avoid scorching the leaves.
TemperatureThe Kentish Cob hazelnut thrives in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F and enjoys a range of summer temperatures. The ideal temperature for promoting good fruit set and growth is between 60°F and 75°F, though it can tolerate higher temperatures with adequate water.
PruningPruning the Kentish Cob hazelnut is necessary to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and promote healthy growth. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to open up the canopy, ensuring adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration. Thin out crowded branches and cut back any suckers that arise from the base of the plant. Prune annually or as needed to keep the tree healthy and productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Filbert (also known as Hazelnut or Kentish Cob), a well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is best. Mix garden soil, compost, and sand to enhance fertility and drainage.
RepottingFilbert trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingFilberts are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity conditions and do not require specific humidity levels when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Filbert in bright light with 'room' for growth; not well-suited for indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Filbert in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
Filbert, or Kentish Cob, thrives in USDA zones 4-9.
Life cycleThe Kentish Cob nut, a variety of Corylus maxima, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted in well-drained soil during dormancy in winter, germinates in the spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a young sapling, establishing a root system and producing shoots that will develop into branches. Throughout the spring and summer, the tree undergoes vegetative growth, with leaves unfolding and photosynthesis fueling further development. It reaches maturity after several years, typically bearing flowers in late winter to early spring; the male flowers are long, yellow catkins and the female flowers are tiny red-tipped buds. Pollination occurs through wind dispersal, which allows the female flowers to develop into nuts encased in a hard shell surrounded by a husk, ripening by autumn. Once mature, the nuts can be harvested, and the tree, being deciduous, will shed its leaves in the fall and enter a period of dormancy, preparing to repeat this cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagating the Kentish Cob hazelnut is through hardwood cuttings. To achieve this, select a healthy, mature branch during the plant's dormant period, typically in the late fall or winter. Cut a section of the branch that is about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long and has at least two or three pairs of nodes. The cutting should be taken from the previous year's growth, ensuring it's well-ripened wood. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining medium. It's essential to keep the medium moist but not waterlogged, and within a few weeks to months, the cutting should begin to establish roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
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