Corylus avellana / Common Hazel Nut Tree

Discover the enchanting beauty of Corylus avellana, our beloved native Hazel that brings exceptional early-season interest, outstanding wildlife value, and delicious edible nuts to British gardens with its cheerful winter catkins and multi-stemmed charm. This outstanding native shrub offers remarkable year-round benefits—spectacular pendulous yellow catkins (affectionately known as ‘lambs’ tails’) that dance in winter breezes from January onwards, providing vital early nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators when little else is flowering, delicious hazelnuts that ripen in autumn providing food for wildlife and humans alike, attractive rounded foliage that creates soft texture and golden autumn colour, and exceptional wildlife value supporting countless species, making this one of the most ecologically important and versatile native plants for British gardens, woodlands, and hedgerows.

Throughout late winter and early spring, this captivating shrub becomes adorned with spectacular pendulous male catkins measuring 5-8cm long, dangling in graceful clusters and releasing clouds of golden pollen on mild days—one of the first signs of spring and a vital early food source for emerging bees. At the same time, tiny crimson female flowers appear like miniature tufts on the bare branches, barely noticeable but destined to become the autumn’s hazelnut crop. The bright green rounded to heart-shaped leaves measuring 6-12cm long emerge in spring, creating soft, dense foliage throughout summer with a slightly hairy texture. The multi-stemmed habit creates attractive structure and graceful form. In autumn, clusters of hazelnuts (cobnuts) ripen in their distinctive frilly green husks—delicious fresh or stored, and highly prized by squirrels, jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and the increasingly rare dormouse. The foliage turns warm shades of golden-yellow before falling, revealing the elegant multi-stemmed structure for winter.

Native to Britain and across Europe, this remarkable shrub has been part of our landscape since the last ice age and holds deep significance in British folklore and rural tradition. The name ‘avellana’ refers to Avella in Italy, famous for its hazelnuts. Kent has long been renowned for cobnut cultivation, with traditional ‘plats’ (orchards) still producing this quintessentially British crop. Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, Hazel thrives in British conditions, tolerating shade, exposure, poor soils, and challenging sites whilst providing unmatched ecological value—supporting over 70 species of invertebrates, providing nesting sites for birds, and offering food through catkins, leaves, and nuts. Traditionally coppiced for flexible stems used in hurdle-making, thatching, basketry, and hedge-laying—a cornerstone of traditional British woodland management.

Create stunning compositions by planting in naturalistic woodland gardens, wildlife gardens, or native hedgerows where the multi-stemmed habit and wildlife value can be fully appreciated. Magnificent as informal hedging or screening, or coppiced regularly to maintain compact size and encourage abundant catkin production. Works beautifully combined with other native shrubs like blackthorn, elder, and dog rose, or underplanted with native spring bulbs like bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones that flower beneath the light canopy. Exceptional for edible gardens, forest garden schemes, and rewilding projects.

Planting: Space plants 4-5m apart for informal hedging or woodland plantings, or allow 5-6m for specimen placement. For nut production, plant at least two different varieties or specimens for cross-pollination to ensure good crops—Kent Cob and Cosford are excellent traditional British varieties. Plant bare-root specimens from November to March, or container-grown plants year-round. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Plant at the same depth as the nursery soil mark. Stake if needed for the first year. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, chalk, and moderately acidic soils—perfectly suited to typical British garden conditions. Prefers moisture-retentive, fertile conditions but adapts to poorer soils. Tolerates partial shade but produces more catkins and better nut crops in full sun. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure. Tolerates exposure and challenging sites once established.

Container Growing: Young specimens can be grown in large containers (minimum 60cm diameter) using soil-based compost for several years. Water regularly during growing season. Feed in spring with slow-release balanced fertiliser. However, for best long-term health, abundant catkin production, and reliable nut crops, plant out into the ground where the extensive root system can develop fully.

Seasonal Care: Benefits from coppicing every 5-10 years to maintain vigorous growth, compact size, and abundant catkin production—cut all stems to ground level in late winter, a traditional British woodland management technique. If not coppicing, thin out oldest stems every few years to encourage new growth from the base. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. For nut production, avoid heavy pruning as this removes flowering wood. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring if desired, though generally thrives without supplementary feeding. Mulch annually with organic matter. Water during establishment only—very drought-tolerant once established.

Propagation: Propagates readily from suckers—detach rooted suckers in autumn or winter and transplant to desired locations. Can also be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in winter, or by layering low branches which root readily. Seed propagation is possible—collect ripe nuts in autumn, stratify over winter, and sow in spring (protect from mice and squirrels). Seedlings show natural variation. Suckers and layering are the easiest methods for home gardeners and produce plants identical to the parent.

This native treasure is absolutely delightful—those cheerful yellow catkins dancing in winter breezes are pure joy and provide vital early food for bees! The delicious cobnuts are a bonus (if you can beat the squirrels to them!), and the wildlife value is exceptional, supporting dormice and countless other species. Tough as nails, adapts to challenging conditions, and brings authentic British woodland character to any garden. Those winter catkins alone make this worth planting—a true harbinger of spring!