Hazel & Filbert trees
Hazel nuts make an easy and low-maintenance addition to any orchard. There are two closely related species, Corylus avellana, which is the common hazel native to the UK, and Corylus maxima, also known as the Filbert. The main difference is in the length of the husk surrounding the nut - cobnuts have a short husk whilst filberts have a long husk. Filberts arguably have a slightly superior flavour but there is not a lot in it.
Unlike fruit trees, hazel trees often grow as multi-stemmed bushes. As a result, they can provide useful shade or shelter for other areas of the garden. Most hazels need a pollination partner of a different variety, and it is therefore a good idea to buy 2 separate varieties together.
Our hazels are supplied as 2-year bushes grafted on their own roots, and should start to produce nuts 2-3 years after planting - at which point they will be 2m or more in height.
(USA soon)