The American hazelnut (also known as the American filbert) is a native shrub (small tree) of the eastern United States. The tasty nuts are highly prized by cooks for their easy-to-crack shells and small, sweet kernel. Hazelnut hedges can be used as windbreaks, visual screens, and to attract wildlife. It is hardy down to zone 4 with a mature height of around 12 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet.