Common Hazel, also known as Hazelnut, Cobnut, or Filbert
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fagales, Family: Betulaceae, Genus: Corylus, Species: C. avellana · Betulaceae (Birch family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Corylus avellana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Betulaceae (Birch family)
Shape
Broadly ovate to nearly orbicular with a cordate base and an abruptly pointed (cuspidate) apex
Size
Approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long and nearly as wide, falling within the typical mature size range for this species
Margin
Doubly serrate with shallow lobes towards the apex
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the slender, hairy twigs
Rarity
Very Common throughout its native European range, frequently encountered in forests and cultivated in orchards for its nuts
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a slightly paler lower surface; no variegation; typical healthy summer coloration without unusual markings
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent, straight secondary veins running directly to the points along the margin, and a distinct pale midrib
Texture & Surface
Softly pubescent (hairy) on both surfaces, especially along the veins on the underside, giving it a somewhat rough yet velvety feel
Description
Common Hazel is a large deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree typically growing to 3-8 meters tall. It features smooth, grey-brown bark, hairy twigs, and distinct catkins that appear in late winter before the leaves. The foliage consists of rounded, softly hairy leaves that turn a soft yellow in autumn before dropping. It produces the familiar edible hazelnuts wrapped in a leafy husk.
Key Features
Distinguished by its softly hairy, rounded-ovate leaves with cordate bases and doubly serrate margins, alternate leaf arrangement, hairy petioles, and the characteristic edible nuts enclosed in leafy involucres.
Habitat
Found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, scrub, and forest margins, preferring moist, well-drained, calcareous to neutral soils in partial shade to full sun
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, ranging from the British Isles and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east to the Caucasus; widely cultivated elsewhere
Condition Notes
The pressed herbarium specimens appear to be in good, healthy condition with intact margins and well-preserved coloration, showing no signs of severe pest damage or disease.
Interesting Facts
Hazelnuts have been a vital food source since prehistoric times. In folklore, hazel branches were believed to protect against evil spirits and were famously used as dowsing rods for finding underground water sources.
Medicinal & Uses
The nuts are highly nutritious and widely consumed raw or baked. Hazel wood is flexible and traditionally used for hurdles, walking sticks, and basketry. The plant is also extensively cultivated in orchards for commercial filbert production.
Ecological Role
Provides vital cover and food for numerous wildlife species, including squirrels, jays, and various caterpillars that feed on the foliage. The early spring catkins are an important early source of pollen for bees.
Similar Species
Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) has similarly shaped doubly serrate leaves, but Elm leaves are distinctly asymmetrical at the base and rougher in texture. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) also has parallel-veined serrate leaves but lacks the soft pubescence and cordate base of hazel.
Foraging Tips
Look for multi-stemmed shrubs in woodland edges and hedgerows. Leaves and catkins are present in spring and summer, while the highly prized nuts can be harvested in early autumn when they turn brown inside their green husks.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves, wood, and nuts are completely safe for humans and animals, though individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid consuming the nuts.