Corylus maxima “Purpurea” / Nocciolo rosso

Origin: South-eastern Europe, Caucasus.

Botanical characteristics: It is a deciduous shrub with branches from the base. It has large purple serrated leaves. The colour is very intense in spring, less summer. It is a monoecious plant with very decorative male flowers grouped in pendulous catkins that are yellow with a purple shade in winter. Fruits are longer and smaller than the ones of the common hazel.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It lives in all soils also dry, poor and calcareous ones. It should be placed in full sun to get a better foliage colour.

Use: It is used as ornamental plant for its red leaves. It is used in parks and gardens, in groups, mixed hedges and as a single plant.