Native trees / Hedging / Hazel
| Family name | Birch |
|---|---|
| Latin family name | Betulaceae |
| Type of tree | Deciduous, and native |
| Average height | 12-15m |
| Leaf size | up to 12cm |
| Leaf colour | Mid to dark green |
| Leaf bursts | not available |
| Flower size | not available |
| Flower colour | not available |
| Flower bursts | Mid February to mid April |
| Fruit size | not available |
| Fruit colour | Ripens to brown |
| Fruit bursts | Early autumn |
| Soil type/enviromental conditions | Abundant except on water-logged or poor soils. Commonly planted for coppicing. |
| Tree lore and folklore | Hazel has a reputation as a magical tree and is protected. A hazel rod is supposed to protect against evil spirits, as well as being used for water-divining or wands. In some parts of England, hazel nuts were carried as charms and/or held to ward off rheumatism. In Ireland hazel was known as the Tree of Knowledge’, whilst in medieval times, it was a symbol of fertility. |
