Corylus avellana ‘Cob Nut’

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This nut is well known, and cultivated in most parts of the kingdom; and large quantities of its fruit are sent, from the county of Kent especially, for the supply of the London market; where, however, it is not held in equal estimation with the Filbert, its shell being harder, and the kernel less sweet and melting: but it possesses the advantage of large size, and is considered a very hardy, as well as productive variety.  The plants are of luxuriant growth: leaves large: fruit usually produced in clusters of three or four.  The husks are broad, especially at the base, and are more open, and not so deeply laciniated, as those of the Filbert.  The nut is very large, broad, and somewhat flat: the shell thick, hard, of a pale brown colour, much ribbed: the flesh white, generally not filling the whole of the shell.  This variety usually ripens in October, rather later than the Filbert.’  [PL vol.1, pl.49/1818].

History at Camden Park

Listed only as an Addendum to the 1857 catalogue as Cob nut. Macarthur requested the common hazel nut and Cobb nut from J. Abbott of Hobart on 6th August 1846.  This is a possible source.

Notes