Common Hazel
Corylus avellana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.
- Hardness
- Approximately 760 lbf; classified as Soft to Medium-Soft for a hardwood (range 600-900 lbf).
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if in persistent contact with soil, though very durable when kept submerged in water.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight and fine-textured with inconspicuous growth rings; occasionally displays decorative wavy figure or small knots in shrub-grown logs.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a pale reddish-white to light brown; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood is naturally lustrous and tends to darken slightly to a more golden yellow with age.
Hardness (Janka)
Approximately 760 lbf; classified as Soft to Medium-Soft for a hardwood (range 600-900 lbf).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if in persistent contact with soil, though very durable when kept submerged in water.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Minimal commercial timber value as board feet ($2-$4); primarily sold as finished rustic crafts or specialized horticultural products.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The visible stems in the living specimen range from approximately 10 to 25 years based on diameter and vertical growth habits typical of coppiced hazel.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); highly sustainable due to its ability to be coppiced repeatedly on cycles of 7 to 20 years.
Common Uses
Coppice products, walking sticks, hurdle fencing, tool handles, charcoal, basketry, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.
Workability
Excellent with hand tools; easy to split (cleave) along the grain, bends well when steamed or green, and takes a smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for natural oils (tung or linseed), wax, or clear shellac to highlight the pale, uniform color. Responds well to polishing.
Notable Features
Highly flexible stems (withies) historically used for wattle-and-daub; the wood has no characteristic odor and lacks distinct toxicity.
