How big does Common hazel grow?

About 4.5 m × 3.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 4–7 m × 2.5–5 m.

What soil does Common hazel grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, calcareous, sandy.

Is Common hazel hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Common hazel toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Common hazel be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Common hazel flower?

Flowering: February–April, yellow.

How much water does Common hazel need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Common hazel cost?

It sells for roughly €1.70 to €280 in local shops, depending on size.

Common hazel

Corylus avellana

Common hazel (Corylus avellana) is a fruit plant that reaches 4.5 m × 3.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €1.70.

Illustration of Common hazel — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A broad, multi-stemmed large shrub that is decorated with yellow catkins at the end of winter and bears hazelnuts in autumn; excellent for natural-looking screening and wildlife-friendly gardens. Do not plant just one if you want nuts: hazel is wind pollinated and sets few or no nuts with its own pollen, so grow two different varieties or seedlings close to each other. It keeps sending up shoots from the base and grows into a wide thicket, so allow it at least four metres, and the pollen from its catkins is a strong allergen.

Watch out for

In Central Europe hazel is the first major pollen allergen of the year: in mild winters it sheds pollen as early as January, typically between February and March, so do not plant it close to the home of someone with a pollen allergy. Suckers from the base need removing regularly or it turns into an impenetrable thicket. Squirrels, mice and birds can take most of the crop, and hard frost can damage the catkins and early flowers. Hazelnuts are a common food allergen.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4.5 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, yellow

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4.5 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	4–7 m × 2.5–5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Calcareous, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	February–April, yellow
Harvest	September–October
Self-fertile	no
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €1.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-60 cm	approx. €16
60-100 cm	approx. €59
100-150 cm	approx. €54
150-200 cm	approx. €11
size not stated	approx. €14 – €280

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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