Contorted Filbert • Corkscrew Hazel • Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, commonly known as Contorted Filbert, Corkscrew Hazel or Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, is a distinctive small deciduous tree grown for its beautifully twisted, corkscrew-like branches. Few plants provide as much winter interest, with the bare stems creating a living sculpture that becomes even more striking after the leaves have fallen.
Named after the Scottish entertainer Harry Lauder, who was famous for carrying a crooked walking stick, this unusual cultivar is prized for its architectural form rather than its nut production. From late winter into early spring, dangling yellow catkins decorate the bare branches before fresh green foliage emerges, making it a feature plant across several seasons.
Whether planted as a specimen tree, used to create structure in mixed borders or grown in a large container on a patio, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is a low-maintenance ornamental that rewards gardeners with year-round character and one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the garden.
Features and Seasonal Interest
- Spring: Yellow catkins appear on bare branches.
- Summer: Mid-green, serrated foliage provides soft contrast.
- Autumn: Leaves turn warm yellow before falling.
- Winter: Twisted branches create strong architectural interest.
While it rarely produces edible nuts, its visual appeal more than compensates.
Why Grow Contorted Filbert
- Unique sculptural form for year-round interest.
- Ideal as a feature tree in small gardens.
- Suitable for containers and courtyards.
- Low maintenance once established.
- Excellent for cut branches in floral arrangements.
How to Grow Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’
Position and Growing Conditions
- Sun: Full sun to light shade.
- In warmer areas, provide protection from hot afternoon sun.
- Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal issues.
- Shelter from strong winds to protect branch structure.
Soil Preparation
- Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- Improve soil with compost or aged organic matter.
- Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Planting Time
- Best planted in autumn or early spring.
- Avoid extreme heat or frost at planting time.
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Position plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Backfill with improved soil and water in well.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Watering and Feeding
- Water regularly during establishment.
- Once established, tolerates short dry periods.
- Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring.
- Refresh mulch annually to maintain soil health.
Growing in Containers
Contorted Filbert grows well in large containers, making it ideal for patios and courtyards.
- Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage.
- Choose a large, stable container.
- Water more frequently than in-ground plants.
- Repot every few years to refresh soil and maintain vigour.
Pruning and Maintenance
This plant requires minimal pruning, but regular maintenance is important.
- Remove suckers promptly (these are straight shoots that revert to normal growth).
- Prune lightly to shape if required.
- Best time for structural pruning is late winter when dormant.
- Train to a single trunk for a stronger architectural effect.
Landscaping Uses
- Feature tree in lawns or garden beds.
- Ideal near entrances or pathways.
- Effective against plain backgrounds such as walls or fences.
- Suitable for courtyards and small gardens.
- Branches can be cut and used indoors for decoration.
Quick Reference Guide
- Botanical Name: Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’
- Common Names: Contorted Filbert, Crazy Filbert, Corkscrew Hazel, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, Politician’s Tree
- Family: Betulaceae
- Height: 2–3 m
- Spread: Up to 3 m
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Flowers: Yellow-to-brown catkins in late winter to early spring.
- Foliage: Mid-green, deciduous
We are Asked?
Does Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ produce edible nuts?
his cultivar is mainly grown for its contorted branches and is not reliable for nut production, so it is best treated as an ornamental tree.
When is the best time to prune a contorted filbert?
Light shaping and removal of suckers can be done whenever needed, but major pruning is generally not required other than to remove damaged or dead wood. If need pruning is easiest in late winter while the plant is dormant and the structure is clearly visible.
Can it be grown in warmer climate zones?
It performs best in areas with a cool winter but can be grown in many temperate regions, provided it has some protection from hot afternoon sun and well-drained soil.
