Harry Lauder's Walking StickHarry Lauder's Walking StickFrom blogger Judy Aull:

What is the ideal speciman plant for the Midwest? According to many gardeners, it is Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’). It is a strikingly beautiful architectural plant/dwarf tree that has something to offer for all seasons. However its most desired qualities, the twisted and curled branches, are seen in the winter landscape. (These ‘contorted’ branches also suggest its other common names: corkscrew filbert and contorted hazelnut). With the coming of spring, the shrubby plant sports long yellow catkins, very similar to pussy willows. Summer brings unusual leaves; dark green and so curled and crinkled that at first glance they almost seem wilted.

CatkinsCatkinsHarry Lauder’s Walking Stick was first seen in a hedgerow in England in the mid 1800’s. Later one of the branches was used as a twisted walking cane by the famous Scottish entertainer, Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950). His popularity became so widespread by both the masses and the royal family that the shrub was named in his honor.

This plant is considered easy to grow, does well in sun or part shade, can tolerate heat and drought but needs good drainage. Acidic to slightly alkaline soil is preferred. It is a slow-grower but will eventually reach a height of 5 to 10 ft and as wide. It is known for its resistance to pests and diseases but occasionally can be bothered by foliage and twig blight, spider mites or leafhopper.

My first Harry Lauder Walking Stick did very well for a while and then quite unexpectedly began to grow
very, very tall and very, very straight. I guess I overlooked the fact that the suckers should be pruned off.
As I soon discovered, the whole plant was reverting to the form of its original rootstock, not a curl or
corkscrew to be seen. That first ‘corylus’ ended up in the trash and I started over with a new one. This
was an expensive lesson but one that was well-learned. Never overlook the importance of pruning
suckers.

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is a knock-out displayed in a prominent setting and will quickly become a conversation piece in your garden.