Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, or Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is the most well known member of this group of plants. This incredibly popular shrub or small tree is related to the Hazelnut or Filbert and offers multiple seasons of interest. Pendulous yellow catkins emerge on bare stems in late winter, early spring, followed by rippled green foliage. Leaves turn yellow before falling in Autumn to reveal the plants most striking characteristic; twisting, contorted, crazy branching that takes off in every possible direction. Incredibly architectural and striking in appearance - especially when uplit in the winter.
Corylus is best grown in full or part sun in moist, but well drained soil.