American Hazelnut | Corylus americana

Native to North America. American Hazelnut, Corylus americana, is an easy-to-grow native shrub that produces edible nuts in late summer. Able to thrive in a wide range of conditions, this native shrub is a good choice for hedgerow or windbreak. It can be pruned at any time of year and its deep green leaves turn copper and yellow in autumn.

Highly attractive to wildlife, the nuts are eaten by squirrels, foxes, deer, northern bobwhite, ruffed grouse, turkey, woodpeckers and pheasants. The leaves, twigs, and catkins are browsed by rabbits and deer. The male catkins are a winter food for turkey and ruffed grouse. The dense, low growth habit provides cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife. It hosts numerous lepidoptera, including Polyphemus and Io moths.