PlantFiles: Hazelnut
Corylus americana

Native from New England down through Florida. Excellent for attracting wildlife to your property. The nuts of American hazelnut, which have a higher nutritional value than acorns and beechnuts, also are eaten by squirrels, foxes, deer, northern bobwhite, ruffed grouse, turkey, woodpeckers and pheasants. The leaves, twigs, and catkins are browsed by rabbits, deer, and moose. The male catkins are a winter food for turkey and ruffed grouse. The dense, low growth habit provides cover and nesting sites for many wildlife species.

Large male catkins add interest in the Spring. Late summer nuts. Beautiful copper-red fall color.

Medium to large shrub that under some conditions can take the form of a small tree. Prefers full sun for best growth and development. Though it can grow and persist in partial shade, plant density and fruit production are greatly reduced.

Low maintenance. Can use as a hedge. Prune anytime.

Notes:
"Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant). In spring, male flowers appear in showy, 2-3" long, yellowish brown catkins and female flowers appear in small, reddish, inconspicuous catkins. Female flowers give way to small, egg-shaped, 1/2" long, edible nuts (maturing July-August) which are encased in leafy, husk-like, ragged-edged bracts." http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/you...

Grows wild up here. The only reason I haven't planted any into my yard is because the ones I've seen in the wild rarely have a ripe nut on them, thanks to the squirrels and chipmunks, so it would be pointless for me.

Also called the American Filbert, this small hedge bush is native to the eastern U.S. Two plants are needed to set fruit. They can grow to 8'. Nuts ripen in August. Grows in zones 5 - 8.

This shrub grows quite happily in Zone 3a/b and is often found growing wild in river flood plains. Can be increased from suckers. Somewhat slow to establish in cultivation but eventually makes a large nicely shaped bush. Blue Jays compete with squirrels for the nuts, quite entertaining.

Nuts must be protected from hungry squirrels to finish ripening.

Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prompt removal of root suckers will help maintain plant appearance, and, if desired, help prevent thicket formation.