How to Grow Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
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Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
shrubA distinctive ornamental shrub prized for its dramatically twisted and contorted branches that create an eye-catching winter silhouette. The corkscrew-like stems are bare in winter but produce soft, pendulous catkins in late winter and small hazelnut fruits in autumn. This cultivar of European hazel is grown primarily for its architectural form rather than nut production.
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Example Harry Lauder's Walking Stick timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; prefers cooler climates and tolerates cold winters well
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Get my Harry Lauder's Walking Stick timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung shrub with some twisting branches but primarily growing upright and filling out
Water regularly to establish root system. Stake if needed. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning during first year
Development
2-5 yearsBranches become increasingly contorted and twisted; shrub reaches 3-6 feet tall with characteristic corkscrew form visible
Light pruning to remove dead or crossing branches. Thin interior to show off branch structure. Continue consistent watering
Catkin Production
4-6 weeks in late winter/early springIn late winter (January-March), long pendulous male catkins emerge, creating dramatic silvery-yellow flower displays along twisted branches
No deadheading needed. Catkins are a feature to enjoy. Light pruning can be done after catkins fade
Fruiting & Growth
Spring through fall (6+ months)After pollination, small hazelnut fruits develop; shrub continues vegetative growth throughout spring and summer
Monitor for pests and diseases. Light summer pruning acceptable but avoid heavy cutting. Water during dry spells
Winter Display
Late fall through early spring (3-4 months)Deciduous shrub is completely bare, fully revealing the magnificent twisted and spiraled branch structure against winter sky
No watering needed if soil is not dry. Prune dead wood in late winter before spring growth. This is peak ornamental season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infested nuts; maintain sanitation; in severe cases use organic insecticides in early summer
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Monitor for leaf damage; remove affected leaves; rarely requires treatment on ornamental plants
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Usually not problematic on ornamentals; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season if necessary
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Prune infected branches 12 inches below canker and sterilize tools between cuts; remove severely infected plants; choose resistant cultivars when possible
Uses
Winter Decorative Branches
HouseholdCut twisted branches during dormancy (fall through early spring) for dramatic indoor floral arrangements and winter decorations. The contorted form persists as branches dry and creates striking sculptural elements. [source]
Walking Stick Material
CraftHistorically and traditionally, the naturally curved and twisted branches were used to craft ornamental walking sticks and shepherd's crooks. The unique form of each branch makes each stick distinctive. [source]
Hazelnut Production
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, the shrub does produce edible hazelnuts in fall. These nuts can be harvested, dried, and used in cooking or eaten fresh, though yields are lower than nutting-specific hazel varieties. [source]
Catkin Food Source
WildlifeThe prolific winter catkins provide early-season pollen and nectar for emerging bees and insects when little else is blooming. Birds consume the nuts and seeds in fall. [source]
Winter Garden Architecture
HouseholdThe spectacular silhouette of twisted branches creates outstanding winter interest in the landscape, providing structure and visual appeal when most plants are dormant. [source]
Harvest Tips
Hazelnuts ripen in fall (September-October) when husks turn brown and nuts fall naturally. Collect fallen nuts and remove husk. However, this shrub is grown primarily for ornamental value, not nut production. Branches can be cut for winter arrangements anytime during dormancy; the twisted form is striking in floral designs
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Harry Lauder's Walking Stick' commemorates Scottish performer Sir Harry Lauder, who famously used a gnarled walking stick as part of his stage act in the early 1900s
- 🌱 The contorted branch form is caused by a genetic mutation that affects cell development; the exact cause of the twisting is not fully understood but creates a unique growth pattern no two plants replicate exactly
- 🌱 In Victorian and Edwardian times, twisted hazel branches were valued gifts among garden enthusiasts and were featured prominently in ornamental gardens across Europe and North America
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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