Commin Hazel Pearson's Prolific - Corylus avellana

The Corylus avellana Nottingham Prolific or Pearson's Prolific is a variety of hazelnut bush with medium to large fruits. The hazelnut is elongated in shape and has a well-filled shell. You can harvest the fruits from mid-August, as it is a fairly early variety. The production of this bush is regular and abundant.

Formerly known as the Coudrier, this Hazelnut is a bushy shrub that can reach 5m (16ft) in height. In addition to producing fruits of very good taste quality, it is also decorative. Like all Hazelnuts, in winter it is adorned with small aments hanging from its branches. The aments are clusters of tiny green to yellow male flowers that release pollen.

In February, take the time to observe the female flowers, they are very discreet. They resemble small buds from which a small bright red crest emerges. These are the flowers that will become your hazelnuts... spot them before the squirrel in your garden does. Corylus avellana varieties are good bush plants that are very tolerant of soil, water, and frost. Use them in flower beds, as standalone plants or even as hedges.