Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') KOR-ih-lus av-el-AY-nah Genus:  Corylus

This upright, tree-like shrub has heart-shaped, toothed, mid-green leaves. Pendent yellow catkins are borne in late winter and early spring. Strongly twisted, spiraling shoots provide year-round interest.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Excellent specimen tree. Use shoots in floral arrangements. If possible, purchase trees grown on their own roots to avoid rootstock suckers. A newer cultivar, 'Red Majestic', bears burgundy colored new growth, so it has greater summer appeal. 

Care: 

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Ideal for alkaline soils. Prune out unwanted suckers, which can be abundant.

Propagation: 

Layer in autumn; graft in winter.

Problems: 

Powdery mildew, blight, canker, dieback, mushroom root rot, fungal spots, Gymnosporangium rust, bud mites, tent caterpillars, and webworms.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Bloom Time Early Spring, Spring, Winter Flower Color Yellow Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees