Shrubs

Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Contorted hazelnut

Contorted hazelnut. Representative plant

Twisted branches provide sculptural winter interest, followed by dangling yellow catkins in spring. Crumpled green leaves turn yellow before falling to reveal the framework again. Give this broad shrub a visible position where its unusual silhouette can be appreciated.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: 8–10 ft. tall × 8–10 ft. wide
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8

Sizes & prices

#3Harry Lauder's Walking Stick/ Filbert$89.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Drought: Tolerant once established.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous.

Growing & care

Pruning: Remove straight rootstock suckers; otherwise remove damaged or diseased wood as needed.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

Photo: Malcolm Gin · CC BY-SA 3.0

Image notes: Contorted hazelnut. Representative plant; resized and re-encoded, not cropped.

Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.