The American hazelnut (also known as the American filbert) is a native shrub of the eastern United States. The tasty nuts are highly prized by cooks for their easy-to-crack shells and small, sweet kernel. Squirrels love them as well, most likely for the same reasons. Hazelnut hedges can be used as windbreaks, visual screens, and to attract wildlife. It grows 10' - 16' tall in full sun to part shade. Single plants can produce nuts, but you'll get higher yields with 3 or more plants.