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Trees of Pauline's Swamp |
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| Burwell brook | New River | Burwell Castle | Paulines Swamp | Demolition | Local walks | |||||
These pages are new - corrections. additions and suggestions are welcome.
Description
The hazel is a multi-stemmed shrub/tree which can grow to 12m high and can live for 80 years. However is it is usually coppiced so is normally much shorter. coppicing extends its life to several hundred years. It grows quickly so can be a productive source of wood.there are some particularly tall hazels on the eastern end of the railway embankment in Pauline's swamp.
The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by wind. The plant is not self-fertile. In very early spring the male catkins are notable, though they can be seen over winter before they are mature.
It is noted for attracting wildlife - grey squirrels are particularly attracted and open most of the nuts for inspection before they can mature!
Origin
The hazel is a British native and has been grown and used for thousands of years, so there are many commercial cultivars.Wildlife
The leaves feed several moth caterpillars including the large emerald, small white wave, barred umber and nut-tree tussock.Coppiced hazel groves provide shelter for ground-nesting birds. The nuts provide food for squirrels and dormice. The nuts are also eaten by woodpeckers, nuthatches and other birds.
Edibility
The leaves have been used for cattle fodder. The nuts are well known. An edible oil is made from the nuts. Commercial varieties fruit are known as Cobnuts.Medicinal
Nuts in general have great health benefits. Hazel nuts are said to be specially goof for kidney stones.The nuts are high in fats so can be made into butter which is an alternative to peanut butter for those allergic to peanuts.
Other uses
Hazel grows quickly and produces long straight sticks which are very flexible so it has many uses.Other information
Document URI: http://burwell.torrens.org/swamp/plants/corylus.html