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Harry Lauder’s walking stick

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

KOR-ih-lus av-el-AY-nah

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

Noteworthy CharacteristicsExcellent 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.

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

PropagationLayer in autumn; graft in winter.

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

  • Genus : Corylus
  • Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Bloom Time : Early Spring, Spring, Winter
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Plant Type : Trees
  • Flower Color : Yellow

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