08 Oct What Tree? Common Hazel
Common Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Following our focus last month on the Turkish hazel, this month we are turning our attention to corylus avellana, commonly known as the European, common hazel or simply hazel. This native deciduous species is often coppiced and so is relatively rarely seen as a full grown tree, but if left uncut it can reach heights of around ten metres over an 80 year lifespan.
The hazel is a tree steeped in rich history and folklore, revered across cultures and often symbolizing wisdom and inspiration. In Celtic mythology, the hazel was considered sacred and featured in the story of the Salmon of Knowledge – a fish which ate hazelnuts that dropped from hazels growing around a sacred pool, and from them gained all the knowledge in the world.
Hazel rods, or wands, were carried as symbols of authority and divine insight or to protect against evil spirits. They were also traditionally used as dowsing rods, believed to have the power to locate underground water sources and precious minerals.
Hazel was grown in the UK for large-scale nut production until 1900 but these days most of our hazel nuts are imported. Its wood is very bendy which allows it to be twisted or knotted, and can be used to make baskets or fence hurdles. It is also used in thatching and furniture making.
Most commonly today you will see it as a coppice. This has become an important management strategy in the conservation of woodland habitats for wildlife. Every few years it can be cut back to ground level and will produce a cluster of straight, flexible stems. These provide valuable habitat for wildlife including the hazel dormouse and small birds. The stems can be harvested and used as beanpoles and other plant supporters.
Hazel stems
Hazel leaves
Hazel stems
Appearance and Identification
Corylus avellana is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a spreading, bushy crown. Its leaves are round to oval, double-toothed, and usually around 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 inches) long. The foliage is a bright green, turning to a golden yellow in the fall.
The bark of the hazel is smooth and shiny grey-brown, with raised yellow pores and scaly patches. From late winter, before the leaves appear, the tree produces long, yellow male catkins that hang like tassels and shorter, reddish female flowers that are less conspicuous but equally vital for pollination. By late summer the tree bears its distinctive fruit—clusters of hazelnuts encased in a cup of leafy bracts.
Hazel catkins
Propagation and Control
Hazel thrives in moist, well-drained soil in sun or in partial shade. The species is not known to suffer from any particular pest or disease, but it may occasionally be attacked by aphids, gall mites and sawfly larvae, the latter of which feed on the leaves potentially defoliating the tree. Coppiced hazel is susceptible to deer damage if not protected.
Source and Reference Materials
Information detailed in this post has been obtained from the author’s own knowledge and photographic library where possible. Additional source of information and photographs include:
Van den Berk, B.V. (2004). Van den Berk on Trees. Van den Berk Nurseries.