Also known as the American filbert, the American hazelnut is a shrub native to the eastern US. They are grown for their food value for people as well as wildlife. The nuts have a higher nutritional value than acorns and beechnuts and are eaten by squirrels, foxes, deer, northern bobwhite, ruffed grouse, turkey, Blue jays, and woodpecker species. The dense, low growth habit provides cover and nesting sites for many wildlife species. The nuts can be eaten raw or ground into flour. People also use this species as windbreaks and visual screens due to their growth habit. Make sure to buy two shrubs for pollination!