Shrubby tree growing up to 6 meters high, common in European hedgerows, on woodland edges and sparse scrublands. Hazelnuts, its fruit, are usually disseminated by a few bird species and rodents (such as the hazel dormouse, the wood mouse and the squirrel, whose presence has been recently observed at level ground); as a food source for many other animals, this tree contributes greatly to its area’s biodiversityThe coexistence of different animal and plants species within the same ecosystem, the mutual interactions of those species creates a balanced environment. More. Hazel is a good firewood and many fungi fruit at its base, such as the highly valued truffles.