At a time when most trees have entered winter dormancy, it may seem odd that one common species has evolved to flower in at this time of year. More...

Hazel (Corylus avellana) is easy to spot, even in winter when the leaves have dropped, as it is our only native tree/shrub to be naturally multi-stemmed. You may also notice that Hazel catkins have now opened and are merrily distributing pollen into the wind, hoping some lands on a female Hazel flower. But where are these flowers? Look closely along the twigs and you should spot these tiny red-tipped flowers (shown above). Hazel is naturally one of our earliest trees to flower and winter is the time to look for them. Being wind pollinated, Hazel doesn’t need insects and without leaves to shelter the male catkins, the breeze can more effectively pick up the pollen. Take a very close look at your local Hazels and please send us your records.