Hazelnut, American (Corylus americana)

Also called the American Filbert, this fast-growing shrub is thicket-forming. Its sweet, edible fruit (nuts) mature in July/August and can be eaten raw or ground up. A great wildlife planting, its orange to brick red leaves are spectacular in the fall. Deer, grouse and quail love this shrub, especially when planted as a windbreak. One thing to note about this species is that there is a small risk of mildew or fungi diseases.