Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Hazel is a classic native Irish hedging and woodland species, prized for its versatility, wildlife value, and traditional character. One of the earliest signs of spring, its pale yellow catkins appear in late winter, providing an important pollen source for bees at a time when little else is in flower.

Fresh green, rounded leaves follow in spring, creating dense cover that offers shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small mammals. In autumn, Hazel produces its familiar nuts, which are a valuable natural food source for wildlife and add to the plant’s seasonal interest.

Typically grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, Hazel is ideal for hedgerows, woodland edges, shelter belts, and native planting schemes. It is well suited to planting as bare-root whips, establishing quickly in Irish conditions. Hazel thrives in a wide range of soils, including heavier ground, and performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Low-maintenance, hardy, and highly beneficial for biodiversity, Hazel is a cornerstone species for wildlife-friendly landscapes and traditional Irish hedgerows.

Why plant Hazel?

• Exceptional wildlife value – early pollen for bees, dense cover for birds, and autumn nuts for mammals

• Native Irish hedging staple – a key species in traditional hedgerows and woodland planting

• Ideal for bare-root planting – establishes easily and grows reliably in Irish conditions

• Creates natural shelter – excellent for boundaries, windbreaks, and wildlife corridors

• Adaptable and hardy – performs well in a wide range of soils, including heavier ground

• Low maintenance – responds well to coppicing or can be left to grow naturally