Common Hazel, European Filbert
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fagales, Family: Betulaceae, Genus: Corylus, Species: Corylus avellana · Betulaceae (Birch or Hazel family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Corylus avellana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Betulaceae (Birch or Hazel family)
Shape
Orbicular to broadly ovate with a cordate (heart-shaped) base and an acuminate (pointed) tip.
Size
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in width and length. Standard range for this species is 2.5 to 5 inches long.
Margin
Doubly serrate (teeth upon teeth), slightly lobed towards the apex.
Arrangement
Alternate, with a short petiole that often exhibits glandular hairs.
Rarity
Very Common; widely distributed in both wild and cultivated landscapes.
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath. The color is uniform, indicating a healthy specimen. No variegation or significant autumn senescence is currently visible.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent, straight secondary veins that terminate at the leaf margin. The veins are slightly sunken on the upper surface.
Texture & Surface
Soft and slightly rugose (wrinkled). The surface is pubescent (hairy), particularly along the veins on the underside, giving it a slightly fuzzy feel.
Description
The Common Hazel is a large deciduous shrub or small tree often seen in a multi-stemmed, coppiced form. It features smooth, silver-brown bark with prominent lenticels. In early spring, it produces long, drooping yellow male catkins and tiny, bud-like female flowers. The fruit is the well-known hazelnut, encased in a leafy involucre (husk).
Key Features
Broadly rounded leaf shape with a double-toothed margin, a cordate base, and a soft, hairy texture. The presence of glandular hairs on the petiole is a diagnostic trait.
Habitat
Lowland deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub. Prefers base-rich, moist but well-drained soils in partial shade to full sun.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Widely naturalized and cultivated in North America and other temperate regions.
Condition Notes
Excellent health grade. The leaf shows no signs of fungal infection (like hazel powdery mildew) or significant insect herbivory. A small piece of brown detritus is resting on the surface but is not part of the leaf structure.
Interesting Facts
Hazel has been used for millennia for 'water dowsing' or divining. It is culturally significant as a symbol of wisdom in Celtic mythology. The tree is often 'coppiced,' a traditional management technique where stems are cut to the ground to encourage productive regrowth of flexible poles.
Medicinal & Uses
Produces edible hazelnuts (filberts) rich in protein and fats. The wood is extremely flexible and used for weaving hurdles, baskets, and walking sticks. In traditional medicine, leaf extracts were used for circulatory issues.
Ecological Role
Extremely high wildlife value; provides food for dormice, squirrels, and birds. It is a larval host for numerous moth species. The early-blooming catkins provide a vital spring pollen source for bees.
Similar Species
Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel) has more deeply lobed leaves and thick, corky bark; Alnus glutinosa (Common Alder) leaves usually have a notched apex rather than a pointed one.
Foraging Tips
Look for hazelnuts in late summer and autumn (August–October). Squirrels often get to them first, so check the ground for shells. Identify in winter by the presence of long, yellowish-green male catkins.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The plant and nuts are safe for humans and most domestic animals, though those with nut allergies should exercise caution.