European Filbert - Corylus avellana

Habitat

• native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa

Habit and Form

• a deciduous small tree or large shrub

• typically 12' to 15' tall as a mature plant

• most often develops numerous upright stems from the roots, creating a thicket

• generally maintains an overall upright shape with a rounded head

Summer Foliage

• alternate, simple leaves

• 2" to 4" long and 1.5' to 3" wide

• broadly ovate in shape

• doubly serrate margins

• leaves slightly pubescent above, pubescent below

• leaves mature to dark green

Flowers

• monoecious , with male and female flowers

• male flowers are large 2" to 3" pendulous catkins in 3's mostly

• blooming in late winter and early spring

• female flowers are small and inconspicuous

Fruit

• a nut about 0.75" long, set in an involucre

• the distinctive husks (involucre) are somewhat noticeable in late summer and autumn

• fruit (nut) is edible and is grown as a commercial crop

Bark

• pale brown or gray brown

• not a significant ornamental feature

• smooth on older stems

Healing power:

Parts used as herbs:

• leaves (Coryli folium),

• crops (Coryli fructus).

Agents:

• valonia 3-5%

• flavonoids (miricitrin),

• sterols,

• chlorogenic acid.

Effects:

• adstringent,

• antiphlogistic,

• antiseptic,

• deodorant–used in cosmetic products.

In folk medicine it is used for treating wounds, phlebitic and hemorrhoids. It influences the function of bile favorably, and is good for enteritis as well. Externally it can be used for sitting baths.

In modern therapies leaves are used in tea-blendings and in Galenical pharmacy for:

• stopping diarrhea,

• the treatment of oral problems (eg: gingvitis)

• hemorrhoids,

• shin ulcer,

• varicose veins.

Sponsors:

Ministry of National Resources

University of Szeged

KEFAG Zrt.

Future of Europe Association