Corylus avellana, the common hazel, is a species of hazel native to Europe and is often found in lowland England as a shrub or small tree. Foliage is heart shaped, mid green with a double serrated margin. In Autumn it turns shades of yellow. The edible nuts which follow the flowers ripen in autumn adding year round interest. They are also a good source of food for wildlife.
 
The hazelnut, also known as the cobnut, is the nut of the hazel. It is roughly spherical to oval in shape, about 15–25 mm long and 10–15 mm in diameter, with an outer fibrous husk surrounding a smooth shell. The nut falls out of the husk when ripe, about seven to eight months after pollination.
 
Hazelnuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fat. They also contain significant amounts of manganese, copper, vitamin E, thiamine, and magnesium.