HAZEL – Corylus avellane: [ 22 & 61 ]
Hazel is a tree growing to a height of 12m. Its bark is smooth grey-brown. The leaves are big and soft to the touch due to the hairy underside. In early spring you will find male catkins. These wind pollinate the diminutive female flowers which ripen into hazel nuts in October. The nuts are eaten by birds including woodpeckers, tits and jays plus animals. Hazel leaves provide food for many moths and the catkins are an early source of pollen for bees. Hazel sticks are popular with gardeners who use them to support peas and beans.
Hazel is a tree growing to a height of 12m. Its bark is smooth grey-brown. The leaves are big and soft to the touch due to the hairy underside. In early spring you will find male catkins. These wind pollinate the diminutive female flowers which ripen into hazel nuts in October. The nuts are eaten by birds including woodpeckers, tits and jays plus animals. Hazel leaves provide food for many moths and the catkins are an early source of pollen for bees. Hazel sticks are popular with gardeners who use them to support peas and beans.
