Tree Species: Hazel (Corylus avellana).

Image Source 1, 2

Native to the UK and much of Europe.

Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.

Leaves: Broad, almost circular to oval, 6–12 cm wide, with a pointed tip, serrated edges, and a slightly rough, hairy surface. Arranged alternately.

Bark: Smooth, shiny brown when young, often peeling in flakes; becoming grey and lightly ridged with age.

Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male catkins (pale yellow “lamb’s tails”) appear in late winter/early spring, often before leaves. Female flowers are tiny, with bright red styles. Nuts (hazelnuts) develop in clusters inside leafy green husks, ripening in late summer to autumn.

Overall shape: Usually a multi-stemmed shrub forming dense thickets, though can be trained into a small tree with a low, spreading crown.

Typically 3–8 m tall; can reach 10 m if left uncut. Spread often as wide as the height.

Widespread across the UK, common in hedgerows, woodland understory, field margins, and scrub. Thrives in many soil types except waterlogged or very dry ground.

Rounded, hairy leaves with serrated edges.

Yellow catkins visible from January.

Hazelnuts in leafy husks in autumn.

Tends to form multi-stemmed clumps rather than a single trunk.

Winter: Male catkins appear, lengthening by early spring.

Spring: Tiny red female flowers emerge.

Summer: Dense green foliage provides shade; nuts develop.

Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before falling; nuts ripen and drop.

Hazelnuts eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour; an ancient food source.

Coppiced hazel provides flexible poles for hurdles, fencing, basketry, thatching spars, and bean poles.

Charcoal from hazel used in traditional gunpowder production.

Hazelnuts eaten by dormice, wood mice, jays, squirrels, and other mammals and birds.

Early catkins provide pollen for bees and other insects.

Dense thickets give cover and nesting habitat for woodland birds.

Caterpillars of many moth species feed on the leaves.

Hazel rods were traditionally used as “divining rods” for water and minerals.

In Celtic mythology, hazel was associated with wisdom and inspiration; the “Nine Hazels of Wisdom” feature in Irish legend.

Coppiced hazel can live for centuries even if individual stems are cut on rotation.

Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.

Soil: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and loam; dislikes very wet or very dry sites.

Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Water regularly until established; tolerates summer drought once mature.

Spacing: 2–4 m apart if planted in groups; closer (30–60 cm) for hedging or coppice.

Aftercare: Mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Protect young plants from rabbits and deer. Coppice every 7–10 years for sustainable poles.

Urban: Works well as hedging, screening, or wildlife planting; not suitable for tight street spaces.

Garden: Excellent for medium to large gardens, especially wildlife-friendly or traditional landscapes. Provides edible nuts and good seasonal interest.

Wildlife: a favouite of squirrels

Bees: Great for bees!