shrub layer
hazel
corylus avellana
coppice it on a seven-year cycle for poles, stakes and mulch while it feeds squirrels, dormice, and you. the working shrub layer in one plant.
functions
field guide
native to
Europe, western Asia
height
3–8 m
spread
to 5 m
hardiness
RHS H6 · USDA 4–8
light
part shade
moisture
moderate
soil
most soils, dislikes waterlogging
uses
in the kitchen
cobnuts (hazelnuts) in autumn
harvest
nuts in early autumn — race the squirrels; coppice rods in winter
propagation
layering or fresh seed; coppices readily for poles and pea-sticks
season
open the calendar →grower's notes
memberspropagation, guild role, and deeper ecology for hazel — the members' view.
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relationships — grows well with
see hazel on the relationship map →the takeaway
start a guild around hazel
plant these together and the relationships on this page start working for you — feeders, protectors, and cover, layer by layer.
- shrub
- hazel — the anchor
- canopy
- english oak
- groundcover
- wild strawberryramsons (wild garlic)
works inside: coppice cycle · windbreak ladder · sun trap · fedge — the living fence