Hazel
The hazel is a small tree, usually coppiced and therefore has multiple stems. A single, maiden tree that has not been coppiced (a standard) can live for about 60 years, but coppiced can live up to 500!
The leaves are arranged alternately around a stem, round in shape, and broadest near the tip. The leaf is hairy on the underside and on the stalk and is noticeably toothed.
The male and female flowers are found on the same tree. The yellow male catkins open in early spring – sometimes known as "lambs tails".
The female flowers appear on the same branches as small pink/crimson tufts. Fertilised flowers may develop into brown nuts in the autumn (though squirrels often eat them before they ripen).
The young bark can show signs of peeling.
Developing hazel nuts:
Later enjoyed by dormice!
Comments on this article
Helen MacGregor 18 May, 2011
Lovely photographs! And an interesting site - thank you.
Sandy Coppins 28 June, 2011
Hi - I like your site, clearly laid out and informative. However, this is a very 'English' take on hazel. Hazel in western Scotland is multi-stemmed, but in many areas has never been coppiced - it is a naturally-occurring multi-stemmed shrub. see http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-nature/habitats-and-ecosystems/woodland/
This website explores the biodiversity and ancientness of some of the western Scottish hazelwoods. Just a thought. Enjoy.
Tracy 19 January, 2012
Hi Sandy
We look forward to hearing more from you for our website on the Scottish hazel
Tracy