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![Hazelnuts](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Hazelnuts.jpg/350px-Hazelnuts.jpg)
Credit: Fir0002
The Common Hazel is a shrub native to Europe and Asia. Its flowers are produced very early in spring before the leaves, and are monoecious. The seed is a nut, known as a hazelnut or cobnut. The nut falls out of the husk when ripe, about 7-8 months after pollination. The kernel of the seed is edible and used raw or roasted, or ground into a paste.