Long-billed hazel

Probably the mythological and mystical tree par excellence, the hazel tree has been part of the daily life of humans around the world for nearly 10,000 years! It has not only fed entire populations with its delicious hazelnuts, but over time it has also been associated with several symbols. For the peoples of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it was synonymous with druidic education and the source of knowledge. There is no doubt that this association comes from the hazelnut tree's ability to identify groundwater sources. Moreover, for the warrior peoples of ancient times, hazel branches meant reconciliation. That is why the messengers responsible for calling for a truce brought them to the enemy camp.

This medium-sized bushy shrub, which can reach 6 meters, knows how to adapt to most of the land found in our forests, cities and wastelands. Hazel has the ability to clone itself to rejuvenate its stems; this explains the numerous stems that all originate from the same root. The hazelnut tree is best known all over the world for its tasty hazelnuts! But be careful, it is best to avoid touching them with bare skin. Indeed, its involucre (green envelope on hazelnuts) is covered with tiny hairs that are very stinging.

This shrub represents wisdom and reconciliation.