American Hazelnut is a hardy, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to woodlands, thickets, and forest edges across North America. It is best known for producing edible hazelnuts, which are highly valued by wildlife and humans alike. With its attractive, serrated leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, this shrub provides year-round interest in landscapes and hedgerows.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 8–15 feet
•Spread: 10–15 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; adaptable to dry or moist conditions
•Lifespan: Perennial, long-lived
•Bloom Time: Early spring (March–April), before leaf-out
•Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
•Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed, suckering shrub with a rounded, dense form
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for several moth species, including the Io Moth and the Polyphemus Moth
Pollinator Importance:
•Attracts various native bees and early-season pollinators to its catkins.
•Provides shelter for caterpillars, beetles, and other beneficial insects.
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Companion Plants:
•Quercus spp. (Oak Trees) – Provides complementary habitat and food sources for wildlife.
•Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) – Another important shrub for pollinators and birds.
•Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Serviceberry) – Produces berries that support birds and pollinators.
•Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) – Supports butterflies and pollinators in open landscapes.
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Ecological Importance:
•Wildlife Food Source: Nuts are a crucial food for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, and other birds.
•Pollinator Habitat: Early-spring catkins provide pollen for bees and other insects emerging after winter.
•Erosion Control: Spreading root system helps stabilize soil, making it ideal for hedgerows and riparian zones.
•Native Hedge or Windbreak: Works well as a dense thicket for privacy, wildlife corridors, and wind protection.
•Biodiversity Booster: Supports a diverse range of insects, birds, and mammals in native ecosystems.