Great Design Plant: Harry Lauder's Walking Stick for Winter Architecture

Few plants look better leafless, and Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') is the most distinct. Named for a connoisseur of unusual walking sticks, this contorted specimen shines when deciduous neighbors are dormant.

Monrovia

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
• Common names: Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, corkscrew hazelnut, contorted hazelnut
• USDA zones: 4-8
• Water: Regular
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature size: 8-10 feet tall and wide
• Benefits: Deer resistant; nuts attract wildlife
• Seasonal interest: Deciduous; early spring flowers on bare branches; beautiful winter architecture
• When to plant: Early spring cuttings

Distinguishing Traits

Colorful pendulous catkins and distinct corkscrew branching—attractive foliage is the least memorable feature.

Monrovia

Twisted form reaches 8-10 feet over time. Deciduous—smooth gnarled branches obscured by medium-green foliage spring through fall. Leaf drop reveals architectural winter form.

Monrovia

Late winter to early spring: 2-3 inch yellow catkins hang from bare branches. Infrequent edible nuts treat wildlife.

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

How to Use It

Specimen plant—prominent garden accent. Consider winter bare-branch view. Place against light-colored walls for contrast, or where light highlights form. Spring/summer forms denser screen. Cut branches make beautiful arrangements.

Planting Notes

Thrives in rich, well-drained, somewhat moist soil. Slow grower—be patient. Spreads by suckers; many specimens grafted onto pure Corylus avellana rootstock. If grafted, suckers shoot straight up—remove immediately (time-consuming). Know this when purchasing.

Winter: thin branches to enhance form and clean up. Generally disease-free but susceptible to Eastern filbert blight (planting restrictions in some areas). Japanese beetles attack leaves—hand-remove regularly. Long-term damage minimal.