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Often grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub rather than a tree, the common hazel has large, rounded, leathery leaves. It makes a good addition to informal shrub plantings, where is forms a useful backdrop to more showy species. Plants bear attractive, long catkins in spring which are followed in autumn by edible nuts. It responds well to coppicing and the resulting straight stems can be woven into screens and rustic plant supports. It dislikes shallow soil which quickly dries out in summer.