AMERICAN FILBERT – (Corylus americana) Hazels, or filberts, are shrubs with hairy, ovate to elliptical leaves, 3-5 inches long and 2-4 inches wide, with heart-shaped base and coarse, doubly toothed margins. Preformed staminate catkins resemble those of birches, but the buds are oval and the fruit is a nut surrounded by leafy bracts or enclosed by a leafy husk. Habitat: Prefers full sun or light shade.