Common Hazel Flowering
Early in the spring, before its leaf buds begin to open in late April, Common Hazel flowers are displayed. Both male and female flowers can be found on the same shrub. The male catkins dangle in the breeze, shedding their pollen (there are about 240 male flowers in each catkin), while the minute (1/16”-1/8”) maroon female flowers spread their star-like styles open in order to catch the wind-dispersed pollen.
Pollen from the male flowers can pollinate and fertilize the female flowers on the same plant, although male flowers often mature before female flowers. Interestingly, the pollen germinates as soon as it reaches a receptive flower but the fertilization process does not take place for several months. If successfully pollinated and fertilized the female flower will develop into one to four nuts.
If you look closely at the photo inset, you can see the tiny light-colored specks of pollen that have landed on the sticky styles.
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