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Corylopsis

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kor-eel-OP-siss
Description

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.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Corylopsis glabrescens, Corylopsis pauciflora, Corylopsis platypetala, Corylopsis sinensis, Corylopsis spicata, Corylopsis veitchiana
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#yellow flowers#deciduous shrub#low maintenance#winter interest#multistemmed#understory shrub#flowers late winter#clay soils intolerant#shrub borders#landscape plant sleuths course
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Corylopsis glabrescens, Corylopsis pauciflora, Corylopsis platypetala, Corylopsis sinensis, Corylopsis spicata, Corylopsis veitchiana
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#yellow flowers#deciduous shrub#low maintenance#winter interest#multistemmed#understory shrub#flowers late winter#clay soils intolerant#shrub borders#landscape plant sleuths course
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Open
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Description:
    Branches zig zag smooth buds
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups