Corylus avellana Tree | Hillier Trees

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: High

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Corylus avellana, commonly known as the European Hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, native to Europe and parts of western Asia. It’s highly valued for both its ornamental qualities and its edible nuts.

The leaves of Corylus avellana are simple, broadly ovate, and have a serrated margin. They’re dark green on top and have a slightly hairy texture, whilst the lower side is paler and downy. However, one of the notable features of the Corylus avellana is its catkins, which are cylindrical flower clusters appearing late winter or early spring. Male catkins are long and yellow and resemble lambs’ tails. Female flowers are smaller and appear bud like. Once pollinated they will turn to edible fruits known as hazelnuts. Encased in a husk, once ripe it’ll split open and reveal round or oval shaped nuts, which are prized for their rich flavour and culinary versatility.

A delightful small tree known for its attractive branches, elegant leaves, and bountiful harvest of hazelnuts. It’s cherished by garden designers, nature enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

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Size

Small

6m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Environment

Great for woodland planting, and hedgerows.

Canopy

Often multi-stemmed. Habit is dark, dense and umbrella shaped. Broad and upright growing.

Foliage

Hairy, round, and matt green. Broadly ovate with a serrated margin and a slightly hairy texture. Yellow in autumn.

Flowers

Brown inconspicuous catkins in early spring.

Fruit

Edible nuts in a partly enclosed husk.

Resilience

Can tolerate a range of soil types. Prefers well-drained soils. Hardy and adaptable, this tree can grow in both full sun and partial shade. Will withstand wind and partial paving. Frost and pollution resistant.

Wildlife

Provides important ecological benefits. Its dense foliage offers shelter and nesting site for birds, whilst its catkins provide early pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. Its branches are commonly used to weave fences which make fantastic hiding spots for insects.