62 LONDON TREES 



Hazel 



(Corylus Avelland) 



THOUGH usually seen as a hedge or coppice 

 shrub, yet the Hazel, when allowed room for 

 development, as when used as a standard, will attain 

 to a height of fully 20 feet. As an ornamental subject 

 the Common Hazel is rarely planted, and it is the 

 Purple-leaved variety (C. Avellana atro-purpurea) to 

 which reference is directed as being not only suitable 

 for cultivation anywhere in London, but having 

 priority of right over almost every other shrub with 

 coloured foliage on account of its robust growth and 

 brightest of purple leafage. For shrubbery planting 

 it is invaluable, offering as it does such a striking 

 contrast to the generally cultivated kinds. The leaves 

 are larger than those of the species, and of a rich 

 purplish or deep copper tint, and being of good 

 substance remain in perfect condition till late in the 

 autumn. In order to induce robust shoots and large 

 leaves, it has been found advisable to cut over the 

 plant, say, every third year. In Regent's Park, by 

 the northern shrubberies, there are quite a number 

 of the Purple-leaved Hazel, which on account of their 

 rich colour attract general attention. Even in the 

 East End of London, both the species and the valuable 

 variety succeed well, and after a hot summer betray 

 but little evidence of the fierce struggle they must 

 constantly engage in against a heated and impure 

 atmosphere. 



The Constantinople Hazel (C. Colurna), which is of 

 much taller growth than our native tree, is also found 

 thriving well in the London area, particularly in 



