The Common Hazel

The bush that can attain a height of 3 up to 5 meters. The leaves are large, up to 10 cm, and double serrated. The blooming starts very early, at the beginning of February, therefore the inflorescence used to be a valuable source of food in the starving times of an early spring. The fruit of the bush are hazelnuts that ripen in September and October. They were an essential and nourishing supplement of a diet for Boykos and Lemkos. The wood is hard and pliable, due to this feature was used for making traditional fences, weaving baskets and carving pipes. Twigs, leaves, flowers, bark and nuts were treasured for healing properties and commonly used in alternative medicine for healing treatments. Hazel is a symbol of persistence, regeneration, and resurrection of life. According to folk beliefs this bush was supposed to provide a longevity, good health and strength. Hazel can be found growing on the edges of meadows, balks, and next to the country roads. It used to be regularly planted next to the houses owing to its utility.