Hazels are small deciduous trees or shrubs of the genus Corylus, typically found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They belong to the birch family and are renowned for their edible nuts, known as hazelnuts or filberts, which are enclosed in a woody shell called a husk.
The hazel tree typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet and has a slender, multi-stemmed trunk with smooth grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are oval-shaped, serrated, and have a green color that turns yellow in autumn. Hazel trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers in early spring, which appear before the leaves and are typically yellowish in color.
The hazelnut, the fruit of the hazel tree, is a small, round nut with a hard brown shell. It is typically harvested in autumn when the husks have turned brown and can be easily removed. Hazelnuts are highly nutritious and are enjoyed roasted and consumed as a snack, used in baking, or processed into oils, butters, and other products.
Hazels are also significant to folklore and mythology, often symbolizing wisdom, protection, and fertility. Due to their intricate root systems, hazel trees are considered to possess magical properties and are associated with divination and divining rods.
In conclusion, hazels are small trees or shrubs that produce edible hazelnuts, which are harvested for various culinary purposes. They are known for their distinctive appearance, robustness, and valuable contributions to both practical and mystical domains.
