Winter Hazel Corylopsis spicata Play pronunciation

Spike winter hazel is a medium-sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous flowering shrub native to Japan. It can be bushy and open or upright with spreading, picturesque branches, growing from 6 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. In late winter and early spring, small drooping racemes of lemon-yellow blooms appear on the bare stems. The leaves emerge afterwards, and are ovate, and initially bronze-purple, then transition to bluish-green later in the spring. As it matures, the branches become crooked and flexible. This plant is a member of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). The genus name, Corylopsis, is derived from the Greek words korylos, meaning "hazel," and opsis, meaning "like." The specific epithet, spicata, means "spiked."

This shrub needs a protected site to prevent damage from wind and early spring frosts. It grows in full sun to partial shade, but does best with some afternoon shade. The soil should be acidic, medium moist, well-drained, and humus-rich. After flowering, prune as needed.

The distinguishing features of this shrub include:  crooked and flexible branches, pubescent young shoots, the upper side of the leaf is glaucous, and the underside is pubescent, the petiole is pubescent, 5 to 12 flowers arranged in a raceme with purple anthers, pink filaments, and green style, and the fruit is pubescent. 

Spike winter hazel may be used as a hedge or as a shrub border. Its yellow blooms in late winter and early spring will add a pop of color in a woodland setting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease issues.  Protect from the afternoon sun and high winds.  Late spring frost can damage the blooms.  Extreme heat conditions require extra watering.

Differences between Corylopsis pauciflora and Corylopsis spicata:

•      Flowers:  C. pauciflora - 2-3 per stem; C. spicata -  many flowers in one stem
•      Stamen:  C. pauciflora - reddish ; C. spicata - yellow

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Corylopsis.