Corylopsis
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- kor-eel-OP-siss
- Description
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Corylopis is a genus comprised of almost 30 species native to Asia in the Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel) family. The genus name is Greek deriving from the words korylos which means hazel and opsis which means "like" or "resemblance" and refers to the fact that the leaves are simliar to that of hazel plants.
These deciduous multistemmed shrubs reach 4-6 feet tall and wide depending on the species and blooms with small bright downward arching clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in February to March. Flowers appear before the deeply veined thick leaves.
Plant winter hazel in partial shade in loamy acidic well draining soil high in organic matter. These shrubs will not tolerate heavy clay soil. Prune as necessary to maintain shape after flowering, though it is rarely needed.
Use as an understory shrub in a woodland or Asian garden, or plant in small groups along a shrub border. It will add late winter or early spring interest to any landscape.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Corylopsis glabrescens, Corylopsis pauciflora, Corylopsis platypetala, Corylopsis sinensis, Corylopsis spicata, Corylopsis veitchiana
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Corylopsis glabrescens, Corylopsis pauciflora, Corylopsis platypetala, Corylopsis sinensis, Corylopsis spicata, Corylopsis veitchiana
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Corylopsis
- Family:
- Hamamelidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Asia
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Open
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Spring
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a 2 beaked capsule with 2 shiny black seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Funnel
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Funnel or bell-shaped bright yellow fragrant flowers occur in arching pendulous racemes with 10-30 flowers and the clusters are 1"-3.5" long. They are yellow with 5 petals and occur in winter.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Insignificant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Blue green or dark green leaves at 2-8 inches long and 1-6 inches wide. They are ovate to cordate with an acute apex, serrated margins and distinctive sunken veining. Fall color is usually yellow but unremarkable.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Zig Zags
- Stem Description:
- Branches zig zag smooth buds
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
