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Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Also Known As

Contorted Filbert
Corkscrew Hazel
Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Harry Lauder's Walking Stick Contorted Filbert

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 8'-10'

planting zones

4a-8b

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Corylus avellana 'Contorta' plant details

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is a moderate-growing, slow-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and winter chocolate and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: chocolate and yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: contorted, hedge, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The curiously twisted and spiraling branches of this unusual shrub make it one of the few plants that is perhaps more interesting in winter than at any other time, the corkscrew twigs also offer a picturesque background for its beautiful, yellow, pendulous catkins in early spring; slow-growing to 6-10' and especially effective near a wall where it's form can really standout, also agreeable in a container or as an unusual hedge. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Deciduous, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub with twisted and contorted branches, stems, and leaves. Has both male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers are yellowish-brown catkins and appear in early spring. Female flowers are not showy. Foliage is green throughout the season and turns yellow in the fall. This cultivar typically does not produce nuts. Since this is a grafted plant, trim back any root suckers, as they won't have the contorted form. Great specimen for your garden, with year round interest! Growth Rate medium

By: Garden World

Twisted & contorted branches give year around interest. Catkins appear in winter for special interest. Slow growing to 5-6? in ten years. Old plants may be 8-12? tall, but larger plants are known. Awards: Award of Merit and Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, also known as Corylus Contorta, is a unique deciduous shrub with interesting gnarled and twisted branches. Yellow fall color; with greenish-yellow catkins. Does well in large containers. Full sun. Slow growing. Grown on its own roots so it will not produce suckers common from the understock of grafted plants. Excellent choice for gardeners looking for a tough, easy care plant that can take extremes of heat and cold. Good choice for accent in large shrub beds, or use as specimen. Its slow growth rate lends itself to good container use

By: Oregon Grown Tree Farm

Naturally twisted branches and leaves, catkins late winter. Good container plant. Zones 4-8.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick. Contorted filbert is a stunning specimen in winter and early spring when the catkins hang. Tree to 15' Zone 4.

By: Whitman Farms

Twisted spiraling branches, twigs, and leaves. Has separate male and female flowers (monecious) on the same plant. Yellow leaves in the fall, and amazing winter interest from the contorted branches and wonderful when the pendulous catkins appear in spring on the twisted stems. Slow growth. Very hardy. Species native to Europe.