Purple-Leaf Filbert; also known as Copper Filbert, Purple Hazel, or 'Purpurea' Hazelnut.
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Fagales; Family: Betulaceae; Genus: Corylus; Species: Corylus maxima. · Betulaceae (Birch/Hazel family) · Simple leaf; Deciduous.
Species
Corylus maxima (cultivar 'Purpurea')
Leaf Type
Simple leaf; Deciduous.
Family
Betulaceae (Birch/Hazel family)
Shape
Orbicular to broadly ovate with a cordate (heart-shaped) base and an acute apex.
Size
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in length and width, which is consistent with the typical 3-5 inch range for this species.
Margin
Doubly serrate (toothed) with shallow lobing near the apex.
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement on the stem; petiole is notably hairy/glandular.
Rarity
Common as an ornamental landscape plant; specimens found in the wild outside of its native range are usually garden escapes.
Color & Pattern
Dark burgundy-purple to deep bronze-brown. The color is most intense in spring, often fading to a dark purplish-green in late summer if in partial shade. Veins are slightly lighter in color.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent, straight secondary veins extending to the leaf margins.
Texture & Surface
Softly pubescent (hairy) on both sides, giving it a somewhat matte, velvety feel; the surface is slightly rugose (wrinkled).
Description
This leaf belongs to a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15-20 feet. It is characterized by its dramatic dark purple foliage and smooth, gray-brown bark. In early spring, it produces long, drooping yellow catkins (male flowers) before the leaves emerge, followed by edible nuts encased in long, tubular husks.
Key Features
Deep purple color, cordate base, doubly serrate margins, and noticeably hairy petioles and leaf surfaces.
Habitat
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Common in temperate gardens and ornamental landscapes.
Geographic Range
The parent species is native to Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia. This cultivar is widely planted in North America and across Europe as an ornamental.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears to be in Good to Excellent condition with no significant insect damage or fungal presence. The color indicates a healthy specimen with adequate sun exposure.
Interesting Facts
The nuts produced by Corylus maxima are larger than many other hazelnut species and are commercially known as 'filberts.' The term 'filbert' is believed to be derived from St. Philibert, as the nuts often ripen around his feast day in late August.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental specimen for color contrast in landscaping. The nuts are edible and rich in healthy fats and protein. Bark and leaves have historical use in traditional medicine as astringents.
Ecological Role
Provides habitat and food for small mammals and birds who eat the nuts. As a member of Betulaceae, it supports various moth larvae.
Similar Species
Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea') has smooth margins; Common Hazel (Corylus avellana) possesses green leaves; Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) has more deeply lobed leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for this plant in residential gardens or old estates. The nuts are ready to harvest in late summer to autumn when the husks begin to brown and the nuts loosen.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The nuts are edible, and the plant is safe for humans and pets.