Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Contorted Filbert, Corkscrew Hazel, or Harry Lauders Walking Stick is famous for its sculptural, contorted branches. In late winter or early spring, the branches are covered in highly ornamental long, dangling yellow catkins. Catkins are much loved by early pollinators. Crinkled foliage emerges after the catkins.

Unlike the straight species, 'Contorta' does not produce hazelnuts.

Suckers should be promptly removed.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Betulaceae
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Height: 8 to 10 ft.
Spread: 8 to 10 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Conditions: Moist, organically rich, well-drained
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Color: Yellowish-green