Native to MN
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
· Mature Size: 5-10’ x 5-10’
· Light: Full sun to shade
· Soil: Adaptable, medium
· Habitat: Woodland edges and naturalized areas
· Tolerates: Occasional drought and clay soil
· Seasonal Interest: Showy catkins in early spring, brilliant orange-red-purple fall color
· Wildlife Value: Provides nuts for birds and small mammals
· Forester’s Note: American Hazelnut is a hardy native shrub that offers beauty and function. Its vibrant fall color rivals a sugar maple in miniature form, while spring catkins and summer greenery add seasonal interest. Perfect for naturalized plantings, it also forms excellent hedges or privacy screens and produces edible nuts loved by both wildlife and people.
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Native to MN
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
· Mature Size: 3-8’ x 3-8’
· Light: Full sun to shade
· Soil: Medium to wet
· Habitat: Wetlands, Woodlands
· Tolerates: Flooding, tough woodland conditions
· Seasonal Interest: Striking red twigs provide winter color, clusters of white flowers in spring
· Wildlife Value: Supports birds, pollinators, and mammals
· Forester’s Note: A hardy native shrub that brightens winter with vibrant red stems and adds spring beauty with white blooms. Perfect for naturalized areas like wetlands or as a colorful hedge. An excellent buckthorn replacement, though it spreads by suckers, so allow space or manage in formal landscapes.
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Native to MN, Rare
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
· Mature Size: 6-15’ x 6-15’
· Light: Full sun to shade
· Soil: Adaptable, medium
· Habitat: Woodland edges
· Tolerates: Clay soils, road salt
· Seasonal Interest: Bright yellow flowers bloom in late fall into early winter
· Wildlife Value: Supports pollinators, birds, and small mammals
· Forester’s Note: A rare native shrub that brings unexpected color when most plants are dormant. Witch Hazel blooms in late fall with fragrant yellow flowers and offers golden foliage before winter. Highly shade-tolerant, it thrives even in low-light areas, making it perfect as a standout specimen or tucked into a quiet, cute corner of your landscape.