Native Trees of the Village of Euxton

The Hazel

Hazel - Corylus avellana.  It is of the family - Corylaceae.

It is a deciduous shrubs and/or small tree that is much used for hedge rows and is frequently coppiced.  In recent years it has been very popular with the Hazel plantations being planted in each year totaling up to 100 acres, primarily for nut farming.

There are many superstitions associated with the Hazel as it is credited with magic powers, even from Celtic times.  The Hazel has pollen-bearing male catkins that are very distinctive in February when nothing else in flower or leaf, and has very tiny crimson female flowers.

It as a height of about 6m and can grow to an age of about 70-80 years.  Its habitat varies, but may often be as an understorey
in oak woodlands.

Its natural native distribution is throughout the whole of the British Isles.   It is found across Europe, West Asia and North Africa.

It can be readily propagation and grown from seed/nut, which is readily dispersed by animals.

The Hazel timber is white to reddish, tough and flexible. Its practical uses are cask hoops, basketry, walking sticks, thatching, spars and divining rods.  The Hazel is also used for coppicing, charcoal burning, hurdles, fencing and it has a good firewood value.

The fruit or nut has good food value, hence the recent Hazel tree  plantations.   The nutritious and tasty nuts are frequently taken by the larger bird and also by both squirrels and mice that store the nuts.

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