"Harry Lauder's Walkingstick"

   "Harry Lauder's Walkingstick" is a large shrub also known as "Contorted Filbert" or Corylus avellana 'Contorta'.  This plant has the potential to grown 10 or 12 feet in diameter though its growth rate is moderate.  I have one which was 3 feet tall in 1994 and is now a little over 5 feet tall in 2001.  The summer foliage has no significant attributes, but the winter branching of this deciduous shrub is quite interesting.  The branches and twigs are are twisted and curled making the plant quite interesting.

    Full sun is the requirement for this plant and that is about the extent of the matter.  Very easy to grow.  The only pest I know of is Japanese beetles.  The beetles absolutely adore this plant and they will devour the upper leaves.  This does not seem to hurt the plant and I find that the beetles leave other plants alone, thus the Walkingstick is my "sacrificial" plant.   In the spring, the "Harry Lauder" has long, pendulous yellow catkins preceding the leaves.  The catkins are as interesting as the winter wood to me.  A catkin is the flower of the plant.

    "Harry Lauder" is usually found in nurseries in two forms.  They are "grafted" or "grown on their own root stock".  The grafted version is probably grated on non-contorted Corylus root stock.  This plant will probably grow more vigorously than the non-grafted version, but any branches emerging from below the graft will be straight and upright.  If the standard branches are not pruned out, they will eventually overtake the grafted portion leaving you with a boring, non contorted plant.  The "grown on its own root stock" plant will never lose its curly characteristics.  It is important to know which type plant you are buying to prevent reversion to a straight stemmed plant.  My "Harry Lauder" is grafted and I've had no problem, though I do inspect the plant in early spring.  A couple of times I have removed vigorous, straight growth.

    This plant is a good choice for accent and texture though it is not generally used in the forefront of the landscape.  It is a great background plant for winter interest.  By the way - Harry Lauder was a Scottish comic and singer, later knighted for his patriotism during World War I.  One of his trademarks was a twisted walking stick.  Put a little levity in your yard.  Until next week.

                                                                                        Andy Lynn