Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew Hazel)


Michael's Opinion

This shrub/tree is an interesting landscape specimen all year round. During the winter months the twisted and contorted branches create an eye catching garden sculptural piece. It is great as an accent or focal point in the garden, and might also find use in the shrub border.

Botanical Information

FamilyBetulaceae
GenusCorylus
Speciesavellana
Cultivar'Contorta'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
OriginOriginated as a natural 'sport' discovered in a hedgerow in England in the mid-1800's.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 (observed growing well in H7)
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-20 to -15
Temperature (°F)4 -5
Height4 m
Spreadup to 4 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionUnusual looking with twisted branches.
ID CharacteristicTwisted and curled branches with long yellow catkins in April.
ShapeNo defined shape due to twisted and contorted trunk and branches. Prune to maintain preferred shape
LandscapeA reliable uncommon shrub that is becoming more frequently used in both private and commercial landscapes. Easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of conditions.
CultivationPlant in well drained soils, it is pH adaptable and prefers full sun or partial to light shade. It does however prefer chalky ground.
PestsJapanese Beetles may be a minor problem. Wilt seems to be a major problem. I once lost a very old specimen to it within one year.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGrey to tan brown in colour.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionAlternate buds are broad, egg shaped, rounded and reddish in colour.
Leaf DescriptionCourse, crinkled and green in colour turning yellow in the autumn. Leaves can be up to 13 cm in size, are coarsely serrated and ovate to obovate in shape.
Flower DescriptionLong green/yellow (yellow when pollen arises) 4-6 cm male catkins. The female flowers are purple and inconspicuous and produce 1.9 cm seed husks that hold the 1.2 mm egg shaped nuts within them.
Fruit DescriptionA nut, about 1.2-1.5 cm in size, held within a calyx. Obovate in shape and tan brown when ripe. A favourite of wildlife.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are deep green in colour and turning yellow in autumn, although not a great show.
Texture DescriptionCoarse in texture.

Photographs