Common Hazel, also known by other names like European Filbert, Cobnut, or simply Hazel (Corylus avellana), is a fascinating deciduous shrub or small tree known for its delicious nuts, attractive foliage, and versatile uses. This plant offers a solution for gardeners looking for beauty, bounty, and ecological benefits.
At Gardencenterpoint.com, we strive to provide thorough guidance on various plants. Whether you’re interested in purchasing Common Hazel, growing your own hazelnuts, or simply learning more about this species, we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide covers hazelnut cultivation, uses for Common Hazel, and everything in between.
Common Hazel Overview
Common Hazel (Corylus avellana) is a member of the Betulaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. It’s a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, typically reaching 12-20 feet in height, although some cultivars can grow larger. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for gardens, hedgerows, and woodland restoration projects. It has a long history of human use, with evidence of hazelnut consumption dating back to the Mesolithic period.
| Common Name | Common Hazel, European Hazel, European Filbert, Cobnut, Hazel |
| Botanical Name | Corylus avellana |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Corylus |
| Species | avellana |
| Origin | Europe, Western Asia |
| Native | Europe, Western Asia. Naturalized in parts of North America. |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub or small tree |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA Zones 4-8 (some variation among cultivars) |
| Sunlight | Full sun (optimal for nut production) to partial shade |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate |
| Water | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Drainage | Well-drained; essential to prevent root rot |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Spacing | 15-20 feet apart for cross-pollination; 10-15 feet for individual shrubs |
| Flowering Period | Late winter to early spring (catkins) |
| Nut Ripening | Fall (September-October, depending on location and cultivar) |
| Height | 12-20 feet (typical); can reach up to 40 feet in some cases |
| Spread | 10-15 feet (typical) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast (1-2 feet per year) |
| Leaf Color | Medium to dark green; turning yellow in fall |
| Nut Size | 0.5-1 inch in diameter (varies by cultivar) |
| Flower Benefit | Early pollen source for bees and other pollinators |
| Garden Style | Woodland, edible landscaping, hedgerows, naturalistic gardens |
| Uses | Nut production, coppicing, wildlife habitat, landscaping, erosion control, traditional crafts, air and water purification, potential medicinal uses (research ongoing) |
| Propagation | Seeds, layering, grafting, suckers |
| Pest/Disease | Hazelnut aphids, hazelnut weevils, Eastern Filbert Blight, powdery mildew, bacterial blight. |
| Notable Feature | Produces delicious and nutritious hazelnuts. Coppices readily. Supports wildlife. |
The defining feature of Common Hazel is its production of hazelnuts. These nuts are enclosed in leafy husks and ripen in the fall. They are a valuable food source for wildlife, and humans have enjoyed them for millennia, whether eaten raw, roasted, or used in various culinary applications. The nuts have a rich, sweet flavour, and are an excellent source of fat, fibre, protein, minerals and vitamins. The study conducted in 2023 shows the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total condensed tannins, and individual phenolic compounds in the kernels from 11 hazelnut varieties ( C. avellana L. and its hybrids). The results demonstrate that hazelnut kernels are a rich source of health-beneficial phenolic compounds, especially proanthocyanidins.
Beyond its nuts, Common Hazel offers numerous other benefits. Its dense, flexible stems have traditionally been used for coppicing, a sustainable forestry practice that provides wood for various crafts, including fencing, hurdles, and thatching spars. The leaves provide food for various insects, and the plant’s early-blooming catkins offer a valuable source of pollen for bees in late winter and early spring.
Botanical Characteristics of Common Hazel
Understanding the botanical characteristics of Common Hazel is crucial for successful cultivation and identification.
- Leaves: The leaves are rounded to heart-shaped, 2-4 inches long, with doubly serrated margins (meaning the edges have large teeth that have smaller teeth on them). They are typically a medium to dark green color, turning yellow in the fall. The texture is slightly hairy, especially on the underside.
- Stems: Young stems are typically smooth and brown, becoming more textured with age. Common Hazel is often multi-stemmed, meaning it has several main stems arising from the base. This characteristic makes it ideal for coppicing.
- Flowers: Common Hazel is monoecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are long, yellow catkins that appear in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge. These catkins release pollen, which is wind-pollinated. The female flowers are small, inconspicuous, reddish buds that appear near the male catkins.
- Fruit (Nuts): The fruit is a nut, commonly called a hazelnut or cobnut. The nuts are typically 0.5-1 inch in diameter and are enclosed in a leafy husk, or involucre. The husk is green initially, turning brown as the nut ripens. The nuts mature in the fall.
- Roots: Common Hazel has a relatively shallow, fibrous root system. It doesn’t typically have a deep taproot, making it well-suited to various soil types, including those that are not deeply fertile.
- Size and growth rates: Common Hazel (Corylus avellana) demonstrates a moderate to rapid growth rate, typically adding 1-2 feet in height per year, reaching its full size of 12-20 feet, and occasionally larger, within 10-15 years.
- Lifespan: Common Hazel trees typically live for 40-80 years, when they are not coppiced.
Growing Common Hazel
Successfully growing Common Hazel requires attention to several key factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Site Selection:
- Sunlight: Common Hazel prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal nut production, but it can tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours of sunlight). In shadier conditions, nut production will be reduced.
- Soil: This plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Avoid waterlogged soils, as this can lead to root rot. A soil test is recommended to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil.
- Space: Consider the mature size of the plant when selecting a site. Allow enough space for the shrub to spread, typically 10-15 feet in diameter. If planting multiple hazels for cross-pollination, space them 15-20 feet apart.
- Planting:
- Timing: The best time to plant Common Hazel is in the fall (after leaf drop) or early spring (before bud break). This allows the plant to establish roots before the stresses of summer heat or winter cold.
- Method:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Gently loosen any circling roots on the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
- Watering:
- Establishment: Water newly planted hazels regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Mature Plants: Once established, Common Hazel is relatively drought-tolerant. However, supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells, especially during nut development, can improve yields.
- Fertilizing:
- Young Plants: Young hazels may benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in the spring. Follow package instructions carefully.
- Mature Plants: Mature, nut-bearing hazels generally don’t require heavy fertilization, especially if the soil is reasonably fertile. A soil test can help determine if any nutrient deficiencies need to be addressed. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of nut production.
- Pruning:
- Purpose: Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of the plant, improves air circulation, and can enhance nut production.
- Timing: The best time to prune Common Hazel is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
- Methods:
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Thin out crowded branches to improve light penetration and air circulation.
- Remove suckers (shoots arising from the base of the plant) if you want to maintain a more tree-like form.
- For coppicing, cut all stems back to ground level every 7-15 years.
- Pollination: Although some cultivars may exhibit a degree of self-fertility, the majority of Common Hazel varieties are not self-pollinating.
- Cross-Pollination: Common Hazel relies primarily on wind for pollination. It is essential to plant at least two different cultivars of Common Hazel within close proximity (ideally within 50 feet) to ensure cross-pollination and good nut production. Choose cultivars that are known to be compatible pollinators.
- Wind: Ensure that there are no significant barriers to wind flow between the plants.
- Pest and Disease Management:
- Common Pests:
- Hazelnut Aphids: These small insects can feed on the leaves, causing distortion and reduced vigor. Control with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Hazelnut Weevils: These beetles lay eggs in developing nuts, and the larvae feed inside. Control can be challenging; good sanitation (removing fallen nuts and debris) can help.
- Squirrels and Birds: These animals can consume a significant portion of the nut crop. Netting or other deterrents may be necessary.
- Common Diseases:
- Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB): This fungal disease is a major threat to Common Hazel in some regions. Symptoms include cankers on branches and eventual dieback. Planting EFB-resistant cultivars is the best preventative measure.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Good air circulation and proper pruning can help prevent it.
- Bacterial Blight: Characterized by dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, which can lead to dieback. The best approach to pest and disease management is prevention. Choose disease-resistant cultivars, provide good air circulation, practice proper sanitation, and monitor your plants regularly for any signs of problems.
- Common Pests:
- Harvesting: The best time to harvest your common hazel crop is generally between September and October.
- Timing: Hazelnuts are typically ready for harvest in the fall when the husks turn brown and the nuts begin to fall from the tree.
- Method:
- You can collect nuts that have fallen to the ground.
- You can gently shake the branches to dislodge ripe nuts.
- Spread the collected nuts in a single layer in a well-ventilated area to dry for several weeks. This curing process improves the flavor and storage life of the nuts.
Common Hazel Cultivars: Choosing the Right Variety
Numerous Common Hazel cultivars have been developed, offering variations in nut size, flavor, disease resistance, and growth habit. Here are a few notable examples:
| Cultivar | Nut Size | Flavor | EFB Resistance | Notes |
| ‘Jefferson’ | Large | Excellent | High | A newer cultivar with high resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight, large nuts, and good flavor. |
| ‘Yamhill’ | Medium | Good | Moderate | A popular cultivar in the Pacific Northwest, known for its productivity and good flavor. |
| ‘Barcelona’ | Large | Good | Susceptible | A traditional cultivar with large nuts, but susceptible to Eastern Filbert Blight. |
| ‘Lewis’ | Medium | Good | Moderate | Another popular cultivar in the Pacific Northwest, known for its early ripening and good pollination. |
| ‘Red Dragon’ | Medium | Good | High | This distinctive cultivar of the Common Hazel boasts vibrant, deep red foliage that adds a striking visual element to any landscape. |
| ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick) | Small | Fair | N/A | This cultivar is primarily grown for its ornamental value, featuring twisted, contorted branches. |
This table represents a general guideline, and specific performance can vary depending on local growing conditions. Always research cultivars carefully to ensure they are well-suited to your climate and needs. When selecting cultivars, prioritize Eastern Filbert Blight resistance if this disease is prevalent in your area.
Uses of Common Hazel
While hazelnuts are the prized and most recognized product of the Common Hazel, this adaptable plant’s utility extends far beyond its delicious nuts. Historically and in contemporary practice, Common Hazel offers a surprising array of applications, from culinary creations to sustainable forestry and even medicinal uses. Let’s explore these diverse uses in detail:
Culinary Adventures with Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts possess a distinctive, rich, and slightly sweet flavor that makes them a beloved ingredient in a vast range of culinary applications. Their versatility allows them to be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Raw Enjoyment: Although roasting is common, hazelnuts can be enjoyed raw, providing a satisfying crunch and a fresh, nutty flavor. Raw hazelnuts retain their full nutritional profile. It is recommended to soak raw nuts for better absorption.
- Roasting for Enhanced Flavor: Roasting hazelnuts intensifies their flavor and aroma, creating a deeper, more complex taste. Roasted hazelnuts are often preferred for snacking and as an ingredient in recipes. Roasting also makes it easier to remove the skins.
- Baking and Confectionery Delights: Hazelnuts are a star ingredient in countless baked goods and sweets. Examples include:
- Cakes and Cookies: Ground or chopped hazelnuts add texture and flavor to cakes, cookies, muffins, and biscotti.
- Pralines and Chocolates: Hazelnuts are a classic pairing with chocolate, used in pralines, truffles, and chocolate bars.
- Spreads: Hazelnut paste is the key ingredient in popular spreads like Nutella and gianduja.
- Pastries: Hazelnuts can be incorporated into pastries, croissants, and other delicate treats.
- Ice Cream and Desserts: Hazelnut-flavored ice cream, gelato, and other frozen desserts are popular choices. They can also be used as a topping for various desserts.
- Hazelnut Flour: A Gluten-Free Alternative: Hazelnuts can be finely ground into a flour, providing a gluten-free option for baking. Hazelnut flour adds a rich, nutty flavor and a moist texture to baked goods. It’s particularly well-suited for cakes, cookies, and breads.
- Hazelnut Oil: A Culinary and Cosmetic Treasure: The oil extracted from hazelnuts is prized for its delicate, nutty flavor and its beneficial properties.
- Culinary Use: Hazelnut oil is used as a finishing oil for salads, vegetables, and other dishes. Its flavor is best preserved when used at low temperatures. It is not recommended for high-heat cooking.
- Cosmetic Use: Hazelnut oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. It’s used in moisturizers, lotions, and hair care products. A study in 2022 indicates that hazelnut oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be beneficial for skin health.
- Hazelnut Milk: A Dairy-Free Option: Hazelnut milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending hazelnuts with water. It has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. It can be used in coffee, smoothies, cereal, and baking.
- Savory Applications: While often associated with sweets, hazelnuts also enhance savory dishes.
- Crusts for Fish or Chicken: Finely ground hazelnuts can be used as a flavorful crust for fish or chicken.
- Salads: Toasted hazelnuts add crunch and flavor to salads.
- Pesto: Hazelnuts can be used in place of pine nuts in pesto recipes.
- Stuffing Chopped roasted hazelnuts will be a great ingredient for stuffing
Coppicing: A Sustainable Forestry Practice
Common Hazel is renowned for its ability to be coppiced, a traditional and highly sustainable woodland management technique. Coppicing involves cutting the stems of the plant back to ground level on a regular cycle, typically every 7 to 15 years. This practice has numerous benefits:
- Sustainable Wood Production: Coppicing provides a renewable source of wood without requiring the felling of mature trees. The hazel regrows vigorously from the cut stool (the base of the plant), producing new stems.
- Increased Biodiversity: Coppiced woodlands create a mosaic of habitats, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. The varying ages of the coppiced stems provide different light levels and structural diversity.
- Longevity of the Plant: Coppicing can significantly extend the lifespan of a hazel plant. While uncoppiced hazels typically live for 40-80 years, coppiced stools can live for centuries.
Hazel Wood: Versatile and Durable
The wood harvested from coppiced hazel is prized for its unique properties:
- Flexibility: Young hazel stems are remarkably flexible, making them ideal for weaving and bending.
- Strength: Despite its flexibility, hazel wood is surprisingly strong and durable.
- Straightness: Coppiced stems tend to grow straight, making them suitable for various applications.
These properties make hazel wood suitable for a wide range of uses:
- Fencing and Hurdles: The flexible stems are traditionally woven to create fences and hurdles for livestock enclosures and garden boundaries.
- Thatching Spars: Hazel spars are used to secure thatch on roofs, providing a traditional and sustainable roofing method.
- Bean Poles and Plant Supports: Hazel rods provide sturdy and natural-looking support for climbing plants, such as beans and peas.
- Basketry: The flexible stems are used to create a variety of baskets, from traditional to contemporary designs.
- Walking Sticks: Straight, sturdy hazel rods can be crafted into durable and attractive walking sticks.
- Furniture Making: Hazel wood can be used to create rustic furniture, such as chairs and benches.
- Charcoal Production: Hazel wood produces high-quality charcoal, which is favored by artists and for certain industrial processes.
- Tool Handles: The strength and durability of hazel wood make it suitable for tool handles.
- Dowel Rods Hazel can be manufactured into durable and sustainable dowel rods.
Wildlife Haven
Common Hazel plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife, providing both food and habitat:
- Nutrient-Rich Food Source: Hazelnuts are a highly nutritious food source for a variety of animals, including:
- Squirrels: Squirrels are well-known for their love of hazelnuts, often burying them for later consumption.
- Birds: Various bird species, such as jays and nuthatches, consume hazelnuts.
- Small Mammals: Mice, voles, and other small mammals also feed on hazelnuts.
- Dormice: The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is particularly reliant on hazelnuts as a food source.
- Shelter and Nesting Sites: The dense, multi-stemmed growth habit of Common Hazel provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. The tangled branches offer protection from predators and the elements.
- Pollinator Support: The early-blooming male catkins of Common Hazel are an important source of pollen for bees and other pollinators in late winter and early spring, when other food sources are scarce. This early pollen source is crucial for the health and survival of bee colonies.
Landscaping and Ornamental Applications
Beyond its practical uses, Common Hazel also has aesthetic value in landscaping:
- Informal Hedgerows: Common Hazel’s dense growth and multi-stemmed habit make it an excellent choice for creating informal hedges or screens. It provides privacy and wind protection while also supporting wildlife.
- Woodland Gardens: Common Hazel is a natural fit for woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings. It blends well with other native trees and shrubs.
- Erosion Control: The extensive, fibrous root system of Common Hazel helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Ornamental Cultivars: Certain cultivars, such as ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick), are grown primarily for their unique ornamental features. ‘Contorta’ is prized for its twisted, contorted branches, which add winter interest to the landscape. ‘Red Dragon’ features vibrant red foliage.
Traditional and Potential Medicinal Uses
Historically, various parts of the Common Hazel plant have been used in traditional medicine. It’s important to note that these traditional uses are not always supported by modern scientific evidence, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
- Leaves: Hazel leaves have been used traditionally as an astringent and to treat wounds.
- Bark: The bark has been used to make teas and extracts for various ailments.
- Nuts: Hazelnuts themselves are a nutritious food source, and hazelnut oil has been used for its potential health benefits.
Research is ongoing into the potential medicinal properties of Common Hazel. Some studies suggest that hazelnut extracts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the safety and efficacy of using Common Hazel for medicinal purposes. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that hazelnut extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
Air and water purification
Common Hazel contributes to a healthier environment through two key processes:
- Air Purification:
- Mechanism: Common Hazel’s dense foliage acts as a natural air filter. The leaves capture particulate matter (dust, pollen, pollutants) from the air, improving air quality. The large surface area of the leaves provides ample space for trapping these particles.
- Benefits: This air-filtering capability can be particularly beneficial in urban areas or near industrial sites, where air pollution levels may be higher.
- Water Purification:
- Mechanism: Common Hazel’s extensive root system plays a role in water purification. The roots absorb excess nutrients (such as nitrates and phosphates) and pollutants from the soil, preventing them from entering waterways. This process is known as phytoremediation.
- Benefits: By reducing the levels of nutrients and pollutants in runoff, Common Hazel helps to protect water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. This is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and ensuring clean water sources.
Common Hazel and the Environment
Common Hazel offers several environmental benefits, making it a sustainable choice for gardens and landscapes:
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, Common Hazel absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Wildlife Support: It provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Sustainable Wood Production: Coppicing provides a renewable source of wood without requiring the felling of mature trees.
- Soil Improvement: The leaf litter from Common Hazel decomposes, enriching the soil with organic matter.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system helps prevent soil erosion.
- Air and water purification: Common hazel’s dense foliage can trap dust and other pollutants, acting as a natural air filter. It improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants, preventing them from entering waterways, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How long does it take for a Common Hazel to produce nuts?
- A: Seedlings may take 5-7 years to begin producing nuts, while grafted cultivars may start producing within 2-3 years.
- Q: How do I tell if my hazelnuts are ripe?
- A: Ripe hazelnuts have brown husks and will easily detach from the tree.
- Q: Can I grow Common Hazel in a container?
- A: Yes, you can grow smaller cultivars of Common Hazel in large containers. However, nut production may be limited.
- Q: What is Eastern Filbert Blight?
- A: Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) is a fungal disease that can severely damage or kill Common Hazel trees. Planting resistant cultivars is crucial in areas where EFB is present.
- Q: How can hazelnuts benefit my health?
- A: Hazelnuts offer numerous health benefits, including: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Excellent source of vitamins (especially vitamin E) and minerals (magnesium, potassium, copper). Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage. May contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. *May help regulate blood sugar levels.
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