WSU Clark County Extension
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Contorted Filbert

Scientific name: Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Taxonomy
Family:Betulaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:8 ft
Width:8 ft
Bloom:Winter flowers
Bloom Time:September
Bloom Color:Green
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Contorted Filbert is sold in the garden center trade as a unique specimen shrub that features twisted, spiraling branches and showy male catkins that hang from the dormant branches during the winter months. Also known as Corkscrew Hazel and Harry Lauder's walking stick

  Morphology:
This is a deciduous shrub that grows to 8’ in both height and width. Leaves are round, with double–toothed margins. The foliage is light green in color during the summer and lacks any real color change in the fall.

The male flowers consist of 2”-3” long pendulous catkins, grouped in clusters of 3's. The catkins attain their largest size during the dormant season. They have a pleasing yellowish brown color which easily standout from the twisted limbs.

Examine the base of this shrub periodically to look for root suckers that sprout up. These will lack the twisted growth habit and will need to be pruned back at the ground line.

  Adaptation:
This species does well in either full to partial sun. Once established it is drought tolerant.

  Pests:
Eastern Filbert blight is now a big problem on the west coast of the United States.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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