Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew hazel)

Botanical name

Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Other names

Corkscrew hazel, Harry Lauder's walking stick, Twisted hazel

Genus

Corylus Corylus

Species

C. avellana 'Contorta' - C. avellana 'Contorta' is a deciduous shrub grown for its eye-catching, contorted and twisted stems. Foliage is also distorted and may be considered ugly. In late winter and early spring, long, yellow male catkins are produced on the bare stems. Stems are good for flower arranging.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Twisted branches

Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Winter

Foliage

Green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Gall mites , Sawflies , Squirrels

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Propagation methods

Grafting

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew hazel) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in moist, free-draining, ideally alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade. Remove suckers, as they will emerge from the stronger species rootstock which will overpower 'Contorta'.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew hazel)

Common pest name

Asian longhorn beetle; Starry sky beetle

Scientific pest name

Anoplophora glabripennis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Recognised threat to a wide range of deciduous tress native to the UK. Already regulated it is a priority for continued surveillance and statutory action. The risk of entry is further mitigated by EU legislation requiring the monitoring of wooden packaging material originating from China.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew hazel)

Common pest name

Lemon tree borer

Scientific pest name

Oemona hirta

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Wood boring beetle native to New Zealand with a wide host range of trees and shrubs. The UK will press for consideration of UK listing.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew hazel)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Monochamus guttulatus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

East Asian longhorn beetle whose larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees; with a preference for dying trees. A PRA will help to better assess the level of risk to the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/