Authors: C. Stace, R. van der Meijden (ed.) & I. de Kort (ed.)
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Scientific name:

Corylus avellana

Vernacular name:

Hazel


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Hazel

Scientific name: Corylus avellana L.

Diagnostic features
Several-stemmed shrub to 6(12)m.
Leaves suborbicular, usually cordate at base, obtuse to cuspidate at apex, sharply 2-serrate, softly pubescent.
Male catkins up to 8cm, opening well before leaves (January-March).
Nuts 1-few in cluster, up to 2cm, globose to broadly ovoid, each surrounded by girdle of fused, laciniate bracts slightly shorter than to slightly longer than nut and not becoming reflexed when dry.

Chromosome number: 2n=22 (22, 28).

Habitat
Native; hedgerows, scrub and woodland.

Distribution
Whole of British Isles.

This species is keyed out on Page 1715 in the Text Key.

Hybrids
- Corylus avellana x Corylus maxima, with intermediate fruits, has been reported from Suffolk; some Kentish Cobs are of this parentage.

Corylus avellana (Hazel)
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Hazel
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