38 City Trees
Tree of Merit: Turkish Filbert (Corylus colurna)
Reaching reported heights in excess of 80 feet/25m
(though more typically 40-50 feet/15 meters in height) and
reported trunk diameter of over 4 feet/1.5m, Turkish filbert is
the largest species of hazel. Native to southeast Europe and
southwest Asia, this tree has found a niche as a tough yet
attractive urban tree used in parks, parking lot islands, land-
scapes, and along streets. The straight species has a pyramidal
shape with a strong central leader. The cultivar 'Obelisk' is
available and has a more columnar shape.
Tolerant of heat and occasional drought and the alkaline soil
conditions that pervade the urban landscape, Turkish filbert is
hardy to Zone 5a. It's reputed to grow comparatively well in poor
and rocky soils. While resistant to most pest-related problems,
it is described as being susceptible to eastern filbert blight.
Turkish filbert bark by Ethan M. Dropkin
Turkish filbert habit by Ethan M. Dropkin
