Corylus avellana - Hazel

Native to Britain, Hazel is an attractive, fast-growing multi-stemmed shrub or small tree whose large yellow catkins in February give the first inkling that spring is on its way. With a good rounded shape, and handsome leaves with yellow autumn colour, it is a versatile plant which can be used in a variety of ways. It has excellent wildlife value, and is planted commercially for its nut harvest in autumn.

Site and soil

Hazel will do well in most soils. It tolerates shade well and is often planted as an under-storey to oaks in woodland. Will cope well on coastal sites.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 4m x 2m 
After 20 years: 6m x 4m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are large and heart-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. They are mid green, toothed and coarsely hairy; they turn yellow in autumn. The bark is a shiny grey-brown, peeling off in flakes.

Flower, seed and fruit

The male flowers are yellow catkins, to 6cm long, produced in early February. The female flowers are inconspicuous short red tufts. The shiny brown nuts ripen in September and are produced in small clusters; each nut is held within a green husk.

Uses

Hazel is one of the most important woody plants for coppicing. It can also be used for hedges and screens, as part of woodland under-storey, or grown as a single-stemmed small tree. The flexible coppiced stems are used for thatching spars, making woven screens and fencing, and in the past were used for making wattle and daub walls. Hazel rods are used for water divining. The foliage was once used as fodder for cattle. Hazelnuts are grown commercially for use in various food products; they are a good source of protein.

Wildlife

Although hazel catkins are wind-pollinated, they are a source of early pollen for bees. The larvae of several species of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves and twigs, and small mammals and large birds eat the nuts. Coppicing hazel in woodlands allows wild flowers like bluebells to thrive beneath the trees.