The Contorted Filbert (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') is an unusual European hazelnut was found around 1850 growing in a hedgerow in England. It has been propagated by cuttings and grafting ever since. The plant has become commonly known as "Harry Lauder's Walking Stick" or "Contorted Hazelnut." Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950) was a Scottish music hall entertainer known for using a twisted walking cane.
It is a rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that typically grows 8-10 feet tall and will spread 8-10 feet wide. It earns its name from it twisted branches, making it deciduous one plant that has as much visual interest in winter as it does in summer. The plant would normally grow as a sprawling bush, but if it is grafted onto a 4 ft. tall upright stock (Corylus colurna L. is a good non-suckering rootstock) it forms a very ornamental specimen tree. This plant is suitable as either a hedge or specimen plant.