Common Hazel

Name: Common Hazel

Scientific name: Corylus avellana

Category: Trees and bushes

Nature Stars: 40

What are nature stars?

About: A small, shrubby tree.

How to identify: Recognisable by the roundish leaves with soft hairs on the underside, the male catkins and the shiny brown bark, as well as by the crop of hazel nuts during the autumn.

Where: Widespread.

Fantastic fact: Hazel nuts are a favourite food for many small mammals during the autumn and winter, particularly dormice and squirrels.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey