
About this Hazel
This small shrubby tree is naturally multi-stemmed. Such growth forms are also promoted by the practice of ‘coppicing’, in which the useful stems are harvested on a regular cycle.
This small shrubby tree is naturally multi-stemmed. Such growth forms are also promoted by the practice of ‘coppicing’, in which the useful stems are harvested on a regular cycle. The timber would often be split for use as wattle fencing.
All parts of the tree have been valued for centuries; its pliable roots were woven as baskets and fishing creels; its fruit is the oil-rich hazel nut, an important food source from Neolithic times.
(Image by Gavin Harris)