Corylus Avellana Grandis, commonly known as the Giant Hazel or Turkish Hazel, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Betulaceae family. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, and it is particularly abundant in Turkey.
The Giant Hazel typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters, although it has been known to reach up to 30 meters in favorable growing conditions. It has a rounded, broad crown with overlapping branches that create a dense cover. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and it becomes more fissured and textured as the tree ages.
The leaves of Corylus Avellana Grandis are alternate and have a simple, oval-shaped structure with serrated edges. They are dark green in color during the summer season, turning to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
One of the prominent features of this tree species is its fruit, known as hazelnuts. The hazelnuts are small, rounded, and enclosed within protective husks called involucres. They mature in late summer or early autumn, and they are edible, often used in cooking and confectionery.
Corylus Avellana Grandis is highly valued for its ornamental appeal due to its distinctive foliage and attractive fruit. It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, adding visual interest and natural beauty to the landscape.
In addition to its ornamental value, this species also has ecological significance. The Giant Hazel provides shelter and food for numerous bird species, small mammals, and insects, contributing to the local biodiversity.
