The Contorted Filbert – A Landscape Tree with Character

The contorted filbert has twisted spiraling branches and twigs. Once the leaves have dropped for the winter, the snarled branches have dramatic eye-catching appeal which makes it a landscape designer’s choice as a specimen tree.

Also known as Corkscrew Hazel or Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, the Contorted Filbert, Corylus avellana, ‚”Contorta”, is a specimen tree that adds great interest to any garden panorama, especially in the winter months. The common Hazel is a shrub found in European types of woodland. It is an important component of the hedgerows that were used as field boundaries in lowland England.

The Contorted Filbert Tree fulfills the four basic elements of a landscape plan:

• Color – Green color denotes calmness
• Form – Unusual form
• Line – Eye appealing
• Texture – Atypical growth patterns

Category: Tree (In Europe it is considered a shrub)

• Height: 8′ – 15′
• Spread: 6′ – 8′
• Hardiness: Zone 4 – 8
• Sun exposure: Full sun to light shade
• Bloom color: Bright yellow to brown/bronze catkins
• Bloom time: Late winter or early spring. Male and female flowers are on the same plant.
• Foliage: Deciduous, bronze-green, veined
• Water: Average, water regularly, do not over water
• Soil requirements: Neutral to acidic
• Slow growth
• Pests/Diseases: Leafhoppers, spider mites, green aphids. Possibly subject to Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), a fungal disease.
• Propagation: Grafting. No seeds set, flowers are sterile.
• Uses: Twigs are used in floral arrangements.

The contorted filbert tree can be grown indoors, given enough space. It is known to be used in bonsai applications. The tree is extremely hardy and tolerates pruning well.

The name “Corkscrew Hazel” refers to the Hazel tree (hazelnut) family, common to Europe and western Asia.

The name ‚”Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick” refers to the Contorta cane that Sir Harry Lauder used. Harry Lauder was a popular Scottish entertainer who was knighted by King George V in 1919 for his tireless entertainment of troops during World War I and World War II. Recently, at auction, his famous cane sold for $8,500.

Two new cultivars have been developed:

• Corylus avellana ‚”Pendula” has weeping branches and dark green leaves. It is very similar to ‚”Contorta”.
• Corylus avellana contorta ‚”Red Majestic” has deep purple-red foliage in springtime on twisted limbs. Into the summer, the new foliage continues to be red while the older leaves fade to green. It has purple catkins and purple nuts, when produced.

Trees are an important component in any scenery plan. The Corkscrew Hazel is especially suited to Rock Gardens. Whichever Contorted Filbert Tree is chosen, it is sure to create the desired four-season interest and satisfaction to any garden landscape design.