Filbert
Corylus maximafam. Fagaceae
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Pl. AFC5 — Corylus maxima
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IOverview
Overview
The Filbert, scientifically known as Corylus maxima, is a deciduous tree native to Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or medium soil types, making it adaptable but specific about its growing environment. Known for its edible seeds and milk, the Filbert can grow up to 6 meters tall and requires full to partial sun with a hardiness range of zones 4-8. Its distinctive features include light green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn and catkins that appear early spring before the leaves emerge.
Quick answers
What is Filbert?
The Filbert, scientifically known as Corylus maxima, is a deciduous tree native to Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or medium soil types, making it adaptable but specific about its growing environment.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Filbert prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. To propagate, use seeds or grafting methods. This tree grows up to 6 meters tall and produces edible parts including the seed and milk. Ensure it has consistent moisture for best growth and fruit production.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Filbert for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Filbert tree to experience growing nuts from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Filbert sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the ground is workable but not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade; water deeply once a week during dry spells; mulch around the base.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, using incorrect soil pH, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedMilk
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterHedgerowoilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 7 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 7 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)AustriaBulgariaGreeceUkraineUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Transcaucasus, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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