Corkscrew Hazel, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

Corylus avellana 'Contorta', known as Corkscrew Hazel and Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, resembles a bonsai, making it perfect for a centrepiece in a small garden. Its contorted branches give it a unique architectural beauty all of its own. The broadly heart-shaped, slightly twisted, and contorted mid-green leaves are toothed and turn a buttercup yellow in autumn.

In February and March, the tree produces yellow catkins, while in late summer, brownish fruits appear. Discovered in a Gloucestershire hedgerow in the 1860s, Corylus avellana 'Contorta' thrives on free-draining soil and prefers moist but well-drained conditions. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and has a bushy habit.

This versatile tree, belonging to the Betulaceae family, is not native to the UK but is well-suited to the climate. Its twiggy growth can be harvested for seasonal decoration in the house.

With an ultimate height and spread of 2.5–4 meters, Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is a stunning addition to any garden, providing year-round interest with its distinctive form and seasonal changes.

Mature Height: 3-5m

Common names

Corkscrew Hazel, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

Height of tree

3-5m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Multi-stemmed

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

Autumn, Spring

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Corylus