American hazelnut is highly valuable to wildlife, providing cover, nesting habitat, and food. Though the flowers are cross-pollinated by wind, a variety of insects still visit to feed on the plant itself. Fall color can be variable from purple to orange to yellow and pale green. Be sure to allow for plenty of space as hazelnuts can spread through rhizomes to form dense thickets.

Uses: Wildlife, edible, fall color, food forests

Bloom time:  March - April

Height:  5 to 10 feet

Space:  6 to 10 feet

Sun:  Full sun to medium shade

Moisture:  Dry to moist