Wildlife Benefits

Hazelnut plants can provide great wildlife habitat and nutrition. In addition to the environmental benefits of hazelnuts, these bushes make attractive CRP plants, windbreaks, hedges, or riparian buffers.

Known wildlife that benefits from hazelnut plants include:

• Quail
• Ruffed grouse
• Wild turkey
• Pheasants
• Squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Mice
• Ground hogs
• Deer
• Woodpeckers
• Blue jays

The nuts produced by American hazelnut are a preferred mast by squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants and other animals. The male catkins are a food staple of ruffed grouse throughout the winter.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Research