A deciduous multi-stemmed shrub with dark green leaves that forms a rounded thicket. In spring, 2-3 inch long, yellow-brown catkins bloom. In July, female flowers mature into egg-shaped, 1/2 in. long, edible nuts which taste like European filberts and are eaten by a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Fall color is quite beautiful and can include orange, rose, purple-red and yellow all on a single plant. Will sucker and spread.