Contorted Filbert or Corkscrew Hazel
A plant with contorted or twisted stems, Corylus avellana ‘contorta’ is a small deciduous tree grown for the corkscrew like stems.
It is a fascinating tree that deserves a prominent position in the garden. It is commonly called the Contorted Filbert and also known as “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick”, and this name comes from Scottish singer and comedian who had a trademark twisted walking stick.
The foliage is light green with serrated edges, they do turn a good yellow in autumn, however when they drop it is the bare stems that are the main feature.
This is a tree that flowers on bare stems, long golden catkins on this contorted stems. This is a tree that does not produce nuts or fruit as others in the genus do.
So for us, tree for all seasons. You may also like Corylus avellana ‘purpurea’
Care
Best grown in a sunny position with some protection from the hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.
A humus rich well drained soil and a good layer of mulch with provide the best conditions. Keep the plant in an open position with good air flow to prevent fungal problems.
Container Growing
This is a plant that is grown as a small feature tree and as such is well suited to growing in containers.
In courtyards or smaller gardens you can grow the Contorted Filbert in a large container. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure that drainage is good, you will need to water regularly as the soil begins to dry.
Pruning
This is a plant that will sucker and often the suckers produced are straight in growth habit, or a reversion to the original form. These straight growths should be removed as they appear and the plant trained to a single stem for best effect.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Corylus avellana ‘contorta’
- Common Names – Contorted Filbert, Crazy Filbert, Corkscrew Hazel, Harry Lauder’s walking stick , Politicians Tree.
- Family – Betulaceae
- Height- Wil reach around 2 – 3 metres
- Spread – To around 3 metres
- Growth Rate – Medium.
- Flowering Time – Spring
- Flowers – Yellow to brown catkins.
- Foliage – Mid green and deciduous.
