Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Harry Lauder 's Walking Stick: Contorted Filbert

Botanical name: Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

Overview
A distinctive ornamental contorted hazelnut famed for its twisting, corkscrew branches that create dramatic structure, especially in winter. In late winter to early spring, long yellow catkins hang from the branches, adding seasonal interest before foliage emerges. Rounded green leaves fill in during summer, turning yellow in fall. ‘Contorta’ is prized for its sculptural form and year-round visual appeal.

Size



Width: 8–10 ft



Height: 8–10 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4a–8b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Best branching form and density occur in full sun



Soil



Well-drained soils; adaptable to loam or clay



Slightly acidic to neutral pH



Avoid poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (early catkins)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Tolerates urban conditions once established



Allow space to highlight its sculptural branch structure



Notes



Shape: Rounded shrub with strongly twisted branches



Exceptional winter-interest specimen plant



Often used in floral arrangements for cut branches



Remove any straight shoots that may arise from rootstock



Minimal pruning required beyond structural cleanup

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

8-10'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Broad Upright

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No