Golden Filbert

Corylus avellana 'Aurea', commonly called golden hazelnut, is a deciduous selection valued for yellow-gold foliage. Its spring color is brightest in full sun and softens toward yellow-green as the season advances. ## Foliage and form The USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository records 'Aurea' as a clonal selection of C. avellana with yellow foliage and an ornamental golden-foliage role ([USDA NCGR-Corvallis](https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/20721500/catalogs/cororn.html)). The Royal Horticultural Society describes a substantial shrub with yellow spring leaves that fade toward yellow-green in summer and pale yellow before leaf fall ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89855/corylus-avellana-aurea/details)). An established specimen at the JC Raulston Arboretum has been recorded at 19 feet tall, so allow room for a mature plant rather than treating it as a compact accent ([JC Raulston Arboretum](https://jcra.ncsu.edu/horticulture/our-plants/results-by-name-serial-number.php?serial=101449)). ## Placement Full sun or partial shade is suitable; the RHS notes that full sun gives the best leaf color ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89855/corylus-avellana-aurea/details)). It lists chalk, loam, or sand and moist but well-drained or well-drained soil. The RHS hardiness rating is a UK rating and is not a USDA zone ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89855/corylus-avellana-aurea/details)). ## Maintenance Use it where seasonal foliage color and an eventual broad shrub or small-tree form can be appreciated. The RHS soil and position guidance supports a sunny to partly shaded, well-drained site ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89855/corylus-avellana-aurea/details)). Published dimensions and mature size vary with site and growing conditions.