Woody > Corylus > Corylus avellana > Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Corylus avellana
'Contorta'
Corkscrew Hazel
Origin: Originated as a natural 'sport' discovered in a hedgerow in England in the mid-1800's.
Mike'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.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Betulaceae |
| Genus |
| Corylus |
| Species |
| avellana |
| Cultivar |
| 'Contorta' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 6b - 7a |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 6b |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H6 (observed growing well in H7) |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -20 to -15 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 4 -5 |
| Height |
| 4 m |
| Spread |
| up to 4 m |
Photographs
Awards
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Unusual looking with twisted branches. |
| Landscape |
| A 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. |
| Cultivation |
| Plant in well drained soils, it is pH adaptable and prefers full sun or partial to light shade. It does however prefer chalky ground. |
| Shape |
| No defined shape due to twisted and contorted trunk and branches. Prune to maintain preferred shape |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Twisted and curled branches with long yellow catkins in April. |
| Pests |
| Japanese 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. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Grey to tan brown in colour. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Alternate buds are broad, egg shaped, rounded and reddish in colour. |
| Leaf Description |
| Course, 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 Description |
| Long 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 Description |
| A 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 Description |
| Leaves are deep green in colour and turning yellow in autumn, although not a great show. |
| Texture Description |
| Coarse in texture. |
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