Hazelnut can develop thick stands providing good shelter and cover for animals. Pheasants, ruffed grouse, whitetails, quail, rabbits and turkeys prefer the nuts. Nuts are high in nutritional value 25% protein and 60% fat. These nuts are the same enjoyed by humans over the holidays only smaller but have more oils and taste much better. This plant with two attributes, food and cover, makes it one of my homerun plants for habitat!