Hazel, An Col (Irish), Filbert

An attractive native shrub or small tree. Hazel has shiny, almost metallic bark, long catkins in spring and large, rounded green leaves which turn bright yellow in autumn. Considered by the Celts to be the plant of knowledge. It produces a crop of edible hazelnuts, and was traditionally coppiced (cut to the ground on a regualr basis) to produce 'rods' or poles, and also for charcoal production. Plant it as an understorey in a woodland or in a hedgerow, in full sun or in shade, in fertile, free-draining soil. It prefers alkaline soil, so not suitable for peaty or boggy areas. Bare root plants 60 - 90 cms tall. Available between November and March only.