How to identify Winter hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)

How to identify Winter hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)

Winter hazel is a deciduous shrub that exhibits an upright yet spreading rounded habit, reaching heights of about 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters). It has a prominent late winter to early spring floral display, featuring drooping clusters of mildly fragrant yellow flowers that deliver a splash of color prior to the emergence of foliage. These clusters hang gracefully from the branches, providing a striking visual interest in the landscape during a season when few plants bloom.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Winter hazel

Upright yet spreading rounded habit, 10-15 feet tall (3-4.5 meters).

Prominent late winter to early spring yellow flowers in drooping clusters.

Oval dark green leaves, up to 4 inches long (10 cm).

Distinctive reddish-brown stems, 0.2-0.4 inches diameter (0.5-1 cm).

Alternate branch pattern with slight glossy, flexible stems maturing to rigidity.

Detailed Traits of Winter hazel

Leaf Features

The leaves of winter hazel are oval-shaped, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. They are dark green on the top and feature a hairy texture on their undersides. The fall coloration is generally an unremarkable yellow. The vein pattern is prominent, with a central vein branching out into finely networked smaller veins. The leaf margins are slightly serrated and the leaves are arranged alternately along the stems.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of winter hazel are displayed in hanging clusters of delicate yellow, with striking orange anthers. These racemes can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. Blooming in early spring, each flower showcases an elegantly arranged set of petals. The blossoms do not possess a strong fragrance but are visually notable for their soft yellow hue, providing a vibrant contrast against the early spring foliage. The subtle beauty of these flowers makes them a delightful herald of the season.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Winter hazel exhibits distinctive reddish-brown stems that are smooth and slender, typically measuring around 0.2-0.4 inches (0.5-1 cm) in diameter. These stems display a slight glossiness and may have occasional small, white lenticels scattered along their length. Branching predominantly occurs in an alternate pattern, providing a somewhat arching and graceful appearance. The stem's texture is fine, and though generally flexible when young, it becomes more rigid as the plant matures.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Winter hazel and Their Similar Plants

Winter hazel vs. Winter hazel: What's The Difference?

The Chinese Mock Hazel is a shrub up to 5 meters high with bald or fluffy hairy shoots. The leaves are divided into petiole and leaf blade. The stem is 5 to 10 millimeters long and filled with star hair. The stipules are 20 millimeters long, narrow-oblong and sparsely hairy.

Corylopsis glabrescens vs. Winter hazel: What's The Difference?

Corylopsis glabrescens is a genus of nearly 30 species of shrubs, native to eastern Asia. They grow to 2 to 6 m tall, often with a crown wider than the shrub's height. The leaves are ovate with an acute apex and a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in late winter in pendulous racemes with 5-30 flowers; each flower has five pale yellow petals. The fruit is a dry capsule, containing two glossy black seeds.

Buttercup winter hazel vs. Winter hazel: What's The Difference?

Buttercup winter hazel is a captivating plant with intriguing qualities. Its graceful, pendulous flowers bloom in early spring, creating a stunning display in gardens. This plant holds cultural significance as its flowers are used in traditional tea ceremonies, highlighting its culinary and cultural value. Additionally, buttercup winter hazel attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of its ecosystem. Its delicate appearance and endangered status make it a cherished gem among plant enthusiasts.

Spike winterhazel vs. Winter hazel: What's The Difference?

Spike winterhazel is a genus of nearly 30 species of shrubs, native to eastern Asia. They grow to 2 to 6 m tall, often with a crown wider than the shrub's height. The leaves are ovate with an acute apex and a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in late winter in pendulous racemes with 5-30 flowers; each flower has five pale yellow petals. The fruit is a dry capsule, containing two glossy black seeds.

Identify Winter hazel easily and quickly

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Key Facts About Winter hazel

Attributes of Winter hazel

Spread

3 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Orange

Purple

Flower Size

1.2 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Fruit Color

Pink

Stem Color

Green

Red

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Winter hazel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Witch-hazel

Genus

Winter hazel

Species

Winter hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)

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Distribution Map of Winter hazel

Winter hazel is originally native to East Asia, flourishing in temperate zones. It is widely cultivated in various regions, extending beyond its native habitat into similar climates globally.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Winter hazel

A Comprehensive Guide to Winter hazel How to Grow and Care for Winter hazel