Traditional Knowledge and Botany
- Hazel belongs to the birch family. Large trees, 25–35 (sometimes 40) m tall, with a trunk up to 1 m in diameter. Common species are widespread in central Armenia.
- Lives up to 300 years and grows rapidly.
Characteristics
- Leaves are small, dense, composed of 11 leaflets, dark green on top, light or bluish-green underneath with visible veins. Flowers are inconspicuous, bisexual, blooming in May.
- Fruits are blackish, 3.5–4.5 cm long, ripening in September–October.
Uses
- Hazel is used as a winter food source (nuts) and for medicinal preparations.
- It is widely planted in forest cultures, field-protective forest belts, and landscaping projects.
Relevance for Yerevan and Armenia
- Sun-loving, warmth-loving, tolerant of different soils, adapts well to urban conditions.
- In Armenia, it is found in the northern and central regions, Zangezur, mixed forests, from the lower forest boundary up to the upper limits.
