Winter hazel is a beautiful garden plant that blooms in late winter or early spring. Its scientific name is Corylopsis, but it's also commonly known as winter hazel due to its stunning yellow, orange, or red flowers. The spelling of "winter hazel" is pronounced as /ˈwɪntər ˈheɪzəl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word "winter" is spelled with the double letter "n" and the schwa sound in the first syllable, while "hazel" is spelled with the voiced "z" and the front vowel sound in the second syllable.
Winter hazel (Corylopsis spp.) refers to a group of deciduous flowering shrubs belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan and China, this plant is highly valued for its stunning display of abundant, fragrant, and pendulous flowers that bloom during the winter and early spring months. The term "winter hazel" is generally used to describe several species within the Corylopsis genus, including Corylopsis sinensis, Corylopsis glabrescens, and Corylopsis spicata.
Winter hazels typically grow to a height ranging from 3 to 10 feet, with a similar spread. They possess an arching habit and feature elegant, slender stems covered in oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically green and turn beautiful shades of gold, yellow, or orange during the autumn months, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal. The floral display is the most captivating feature of winter hazels, with their drooping clusters or racemes of bell-shaped, fragrant flowers. These flowers vary in color depending on the species, ranging from pale yellow to creamy white. The blooms emerge before the foliage, creating a striking contrast against the bare branches.
Winter hazels thrive in well-drained soils and prefer partially shaded locations, although they can tolerate full sun exposure with adequate moisture. They are popular choices for woodland gardens, mixed borders, or as standalone specimen plants due to their unique winter flowering characteristic. Winter hazels are relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established. They are known to be hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making them an excellent choice for gardens in temperate regions.
The word "winter hazel" is a compound word formed by combining "winter" and "hazel".
- "Winter" is derived from the Old English word "winter" which has Germanic roots. The Old English word eventually evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "wintruz".
- "Hazel" originates from the Old English word "hæsel", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hasalaz".
Therefore, the etymology of "winter hazel" is rooted in Old English and Germanic languages, referring to a type of hazel that blooms during the winter season.