Deciduous Native Shrub/Tree
Sun: Part Shade, Shade (often found in the forest understory)
Height: Up to 3'
Bloom: White, green
Bloom Time: April-June
Fruit: Edible nut
Moisture: Moist to Dry
Soil: Various moist to dry, well-drained soils.
Deer: Sensitive, it is recommended to protect the young plant with a barrier until it gets big enough to withstand a little browsing.
Drought: Resistant
Attracts: Birds
Pollinator Benefit: Early pollen source for native bees. Supports over 130 native butterfly and moth caterpillars, which also provides necessary food for nesting birds. Host plant for the Io Moth and Polyphemus Moth
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American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) A dense, mound-shaped, thicket-forming shrub, usually 6-12 ft. tall. Yellowish-brown catkins are showy in late winter and early spring. The female bloom is obscure. Edible nut with ragged papery husk. Fall color varies from bright yellow to deep wine-red.
American Hazelnut is great for hedgerows, and its nuts are delicious--just a little bit smaller than the commercial hazelnuts you can buy in the store.
Source: www.wildflower.org and www.directnativeplants