Definition

Noun: 1. A type of ornamental shrub: "Flowering hazel" refers to any of several species of deciduous shrubs native to Asia, belonging to the genus Corylopsis. They are cultivated primarily for their attractive, pendulous clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, which bloom in early spring before the new leaves appear.

Usage Notes

• The term "flowering hazel" is a common name used in gardening and horticulture. It is not a true hazel (genus ), but is so named because its leaves resemble those of hazel plants.
• It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., "a flowering hazel," "several flowering hazels").
• This term refers specifically to the plant itself, not to its individual flowers or nuts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The early spring garden was brightened by a beautiful flowering hazel covered in delicate yellow blossoms.
  • We planted two flowering hazels near the path to enjoy their fragrance.
  • Unlike the common hazel, the flowering hazel is prized for its ornamental flowers rather than its nuts.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical descriptions: The term is often used to distinguish these ornamental species from other plants in the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae).
  • The collection includes various flowering hazels and witch hazels.

Variants and Related Words

• Winter hazel: Another common name for plants in the genus , often used interchangeably with "flowering hazel."
• Corylopsis (n): The botanical genus name for this group of shrubs.
• Shrub (n): A general term for a woody plant smaller than a tree.
• Deciduous (adj): A plant that loses its leaves annually.

Synonyms

• Winter hazel
• Corylopsis (scientific/botanical term)

Different Meanings

• Hazel (alone): Typically refers to trees or shrubs of the genus , which produce edible nuts (hazelnuts or filberts). The term "flowering hazel" specifies a different, ornamental genus.
• Witch hazel: Refers to plants of the genus , which are related but have different flowering characteristics (often with ribbon-like petals).

Notes on Phrases and Idioms

• The term "flowering hazel" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs. It is a specific horticultural term.

Noun

1. any of several Asiatic deciduous shrubs cultivated for their nodding racemes of yellow flowers that appear before the leaves