This suckering deciduous shrub to small tree has multiple trunks with smooth brownish bark and forms a bushy habit. It has mid green oval-shaped leaves on twigs that are hairy and the pendant yellow male flowers appear in early spring followed by edible nuts..

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Corylus avellana is naturally found from Europe to western Asia and North Africa growing in well drained moderately fertile moist soils and tolerates chalky soils. It prefers a open sunny position with some mid-day shade and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Common Hazel has been cultivated for hundreds of years for its wood and editable fruit. It is also an excellent ornamental specimen for gardens and is used in border or screen plantings. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is suitable for cool inland or coastal regions. The nuts are harvested commercially and the plant is an excellent haven for small birds. ID 1676

Note:
The plant has been cultivated as a coppice crop harvesting every 7-years, and the wood is used for various items such as weapons, roofing material, fencing poles, handles and for fire wood. 

Corylus (KOR-ih-lus) avellana (av-el-AY-nuh)

Betulaceae (BE-tul-AY-see-ee)
Birch