A very decorative variety of cultivated hazel, Corylus maxima Purpurea also known as ‘Purple Filbert’ offers rich coppery-purple foliage, reddish-purple catkins with yellow highlights, purple nuts and vivid autumn colour. Light crops of large, flavoursome nuts, with a purplish tinge inside. Highly nutritious source of high-quality protein, ‘good fats’, fibre, Vitamin B, folate, iron and other minerals. Harvest as they start falling from the tree. Eat fresh, or dry the crop carefully, then remove the husks and store in a mouse-proof place. Good specimen tree. Tough and hardy, but will not thrive in shade.
Site: Fairly sheltered Soil: Any reasonable soil which is not waterlogged or over-rich; light, neutral soils preferred Position: Crops and colours best in full sun Pick: Late September Keep: Until New Year Hardiness: Hardy Pollination: Partially self-fertile, but will crop better grouped with at least one different pollination partner; wild hazel may also pollinate Uses: Eating fresh or from store, and for cooking; prunings make excellent bean poles, peasticks and wattle fencing
