Hazelnut, or common hazel (Corylus avellana), is a multi-year shrub or low tree reaching up to 3.5 meters in height. This plant is widely found in the wild in Ukraine, especially in the forests of Polissia, Carpathians, and Podolia, and is actively cultivated on private plots and at industrial scale. Hazel prefers sunny or semi-shaded areas with well-drained, fertile soil, protected from cold winds. The root system is shallow but well-developed, requiring regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Hazel begins to bear fruit as early as the 3rd–4th year after planting and can continue for many years; with proper agronomic care, yield reaches 3–5 kg of nuts per bush. The 'Badius' hazelnut variety, developed at the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry, is distinguished by high frost resistance, tolerating temperatures down to -33℃, as well as high drought tolerance and resistance to diseases and pests. The plant’s crown is sufficiently open, not prone to overcrowding, which simplifies maintenance and harvesting.
In addition to fruiting, hazel is valued for its ornamental qualities: the dense, spreading crown and uniquely twisted branches of the 'Contorta' variety make it attractive for landscape design. Container-grown saplings can be planted from early spring to late autumn, allowing flexible planting scheduling. Overall, hazel is not only a source of tasty and nutritious nuts rich in vitamins, but also an ornamental plant capable of enhancing any plot.
