Hazelnut trees (Corylus americana and hybrid varieties) are productive, fast-growing nut trees prized for their edible nuts, attractive foliage, and value to wildlife. Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8, hazelnuts thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making them ideal for home orchards, food forests, and naturalized plantings. These low-maintenance trees begin producing nuts in as little as 3–5 years.