Hazel is an upright tree-like shrub with heart shaped green leaves. Often used in mixed native countryside hedging along with Hawthorn and other native species. It bears yellow catkins in February, making it one of the earliest sources of pollen for bees and produces edible hazelnuts in Autumn.
 
Description 
Hazel is a deciduous broad-leafed tree native to the UK. It is predominantly found in scrub and hedgerows, also in oak, ash and birch woodland. It is often coppiced, but otherwise can reach heights of 12m and can live for up to 80 years.
 
Planting Position 
Suitable for most locations but prefers moist well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
 
Size 
Growth Rate: Medium
Final Height: up to 12m 
Final Spread: 2.5-4 m
 
Foliage and Flowers 
Heart shaped leaves, yellow catkins in late winter early spring. Edible nuts.
 
Plant Interest 
The leaves provide food for the caterpillars of various species of moth. Coppiced hazel can provide shelter for many ground-nesting birds. The nuts are a source of food for many species of birds including nuthatches, tits, woddpeckers, to name but a few. The nuts are also edible for humans.
 
Landscape Use 
Hazel works well in hedgerows, screens, low maintenance cottage and informal wildflower gardens.
 
Uses 
Historically hazel had many uses, for example, divining sticks, hurdles and furniture. Today it is used for pea sticks, bean poles and coppicing.