# Hazel Tree (*Piper longum L.*)

The Hazel Tree is a small tree that produces delicious hazelnuts. These nuts are great for snacking and can be used in many tasty treats!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Woodlands and gardens
- **Also known as:** Corylus avellana

![Hazel Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424578/objects/4831.jpg)

## Appearance

The Hazel Tree is a bushy, multi-stemmed tree with a spreading canopy. It has roundish, velvety green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. In late winter, slender yellow catkins (male flowers) hang from its branches before the leaves appear, adding a distinct early-season colour.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Genus:** Piper

## Interesting facts

- Before their leaves appear, fuzzy 'lamb's tail' flowers hang from the branches in winter!
- Hazel branches were once used to find underground water – it's called dowsing!
- Some ancient people believed hazelnuts could bring good luck and wisdom!
- Squirrels work extra hard gathering hazelnuts to hide for their winter snacks!

## Special abilities

- **Early Pollen Protector:** Hazel Tree can release pollen in late winter, helping it reproduce before other trees leaf out and block the wind.
- **Endless Stamina:** Hazel Tree can regrow from its stump for centuries because its base stores energy, making it very long-lived.
- **Nut Factory:** Hazel Tree can produce delicious, energy-rich hazelnuts, providing vital food for wildlife and spreading its seeds.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 4-8 m
- **Spread:** 3-7 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 10-20 cm
- **Lifespan:** 50-100 years
- **Fruit Type:** Nut
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Red Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-squirrel) (*Sciurus vulgaris*) — eats the nutritious hazelnuts
- **Eaten by:** Wood Mouse (*Apodemus sylvaticus*) — forages for fallen hazelnuts
- **Parasitizes:** Nut Weevil (*Curculio nucum*) — larvae develop inside hazelnut shells
- **Eats:** [Roe Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/roe-deer) (*Capreolus capreolus*) — browses on young hazel shoots

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Nut Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nut-bearing): Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
- [Fruit Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-tree): A fruit tree is a perennial tree that produces fruit, which is edible to humans or animals.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Hazel Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Hazel Tree?

4-8 m

### How wide does Hazel Tree spread?

3-7 m

### Is Hazel Tree edible?

Yes

### How big is Hazel Tree?

10-20 cm

### How long does Hazel Tree live?

50-100 years

### Where is Hazel Tree usually found?

Woodlands and gardens

### What kind of fruit does Hazel Tree produce?

Nut

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Hazel Tree: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hazel-tree)