Catkins aren’t the only flowers

The dangling golden catkins growing on Hazel (Corylus avellana) are among the earliest flowers to appear each year. A welcome sign that Spring is on its way. In Charlton Down Nature Area short green hazel catkins have been seen on the trees since the autumn. Now in late January they have grown and are about to start shedding their pollen. They can grow up to 8 cm in length. These pendulous yellowy catkins are not the only flowers on the hazel. Catkins are only the more obvious male flowers. Far less noticeable, and only visible when you look very close, are the female flowers which make their first appearance quite a bit later. They are bright red and very small – like minute tassels. Very difficult to spot unless you are deliberately looking for them. It is the female flowers that will later develop into the nuts.

Useful reading