Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Introducing Corylus heterophylla Asian Hazel, Siberian Filbert, and Siberian Hazelnut! This species of hazel is native to eastern Asia, specifically northern China, eastern Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and southeastern Siberia. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 7 meters tall, with thick grey bark and rounded leaves. The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, with the male catkins being pale yellow and the female catkins being bright red. The fruit is a nut, produced in clusters of 2-6 together, and is partly enclosed in a husk-like involucre.

The Asian Hazel nut is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a hard shell but is known for its relatively good flavor and richness in oil. The nut ripens in mid to late autumn and may need to be protected from squirrels. When kept in a cool place and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months. Additionally, an edible oil can be obtained from the seed.

This species is very similar to the closely related common hazel found in Europe and western Asia, with the main difference being the leaves, which are somewhat more lobed in the Asian Hazel. Commercial cultivation of this nut is prevalent in China.

Corylus heterophylla Asian Hazel is a versatile and resilient plant, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions from sandy to clay. It prefers moist soil but can also handle strong winds. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade.

For more information, visit our website or consult botanical sources such as the Flora of China and The Plant List.