Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Nature Hills Nursery

Twisted Branches Create Year-Round Sculptural Interest on this Unique Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8-10 ft Tall and Wide
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Winter to Early Spring

$119¹⁷

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least six hours daily to ensure strong branch structure and healthy foliage. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and less dramatic twisting in the branches.
Soil: This shrub prefers well drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting time to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, water your Walking Stick twice a week to keep the root ball consistently moist. Once mature, it is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during summer heat can cause leaf scorch or premature leaf drop. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinklings to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

The most important pruning task is removing "suckers," which are straight shoots that grow from the rootstock and lack the signature twists. Since this plant is usually grafted, these straight branches will eventually take over if not cut out at the ground level as soon as they appear. Beyond that, prune in late winter while the plant is dormant to shape the silhouette and highlight the corkscrew architecture.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is very susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of the plant.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	8-10 ft
Width	8-10 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Trailing, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Winter
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Botanical Name	Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Species	avellana
Cultivar	Contorta
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Wise garden designers plan for visual interest in every season. They allow certain plants a chance to shine in their season. Some "ephemerals" shine for a day or two, while other plants have long-lasting appeal.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta'), is beloved for its unique branches. It will certainly be one of the stars of your Winter Garden.

No matter where you use it, Harry Lauder's Walking Stick becomes a real conversation piece. Highlight one as a stand-out specimen in a courtyard, berm or other high-profile area.

This noteworthy deciduous shrub has such interesting gnarled and twisted branches. Often, it's grown specifically for this unusual branching pattern.

But twisting and curving into ornamental and curious contortions aside, this plant actually has four seasons of whimsical interest!

You'll enjoy terrifically bold, long dangling yellow catkins in late winter or early spring. In summer, rough-textured green leaves are attractive all season, and they mellow to rich yellow fall foliage.

Don't own your own home? No problem! Even renters can grow these terrific plants. They will adapt beautifully to living in large containers.

Frankly, a shrub with this much personality has become a family "pet" over the years. You won't want to miss this extraordinary plant.

Order Harry Lauder's Walking Stick from our expert growers today. Enjoy the charm of this rare ornamental plant.

How to Use Harry Lauder's Walking Stick in the Landscape

This interesting shrub makes a very unique specimen that deserves a place of honor. They'll become a focal point no matter where you plant them.

Add a pair to matching large pots on either side of the garden gate to elevate the moment of entry.

Plant a zigzagging line of them along the sunny edge of a woodland.

Try one in a sunny side yard to improve the experience of these forgotten areas in your landscape.

Why not let these fabulous twisted and contorted branches tell you and your guests an enchanting garden story? Plant one in a special, sunny area of your yard, then build a "Secret Garden" around it. Create a planned path to your new destination spot.

Florists love to use the curiously twisted stems in cut flower arrangements. You can easily create a "Floral Designer" hedgerow with Pussy Willow, Renaissance Spirea, Royal Family Holly Combo, Red Twig Dogwood and Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.

That lineup can become a very effective backdrop to other favorite flowering perennials in a modern Cutting Garden. You'll never be without fresh plant material!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick performs best in full sun. It will tolerate part shade, but please give at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. The more sun, the better!

Plant it in organically rich, but well-drained soil. Provide a medium amount of water on a regular basis.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to keep the root system nice and cool. However, you must pull back the mulch at least 6 inches from the stems to provide proper air circulation.

You'll want to harvest a few of the oldest, thickest stems each year to use in your seasonal decoration. Remove them all the way back to the ground. New growth will emerge from the crown in spring.

Have fun with these amazing shrubs this season in your landscape. Order Harry Lauder's Walking Stick today at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy harry lauder walking stick?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is available from specialty nurseries and online plant retailers that carry unique ornamental shrubs. This cold hardy contorted hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') is sometimes listed under its alternate names of Contorted Hazel or Contorted Filbert. Look for nurseries specializing in rare or specimen plants, as this conversation-piece shrub isn't carried everywhere.

What is its mature size and shape?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick typically reaches 8-10 feet tall and wide at maturity with an irregular, rounded shape. The twisted, contorted branches create a naturally sculptural form that's wider than it is tall. Give it plenty of space to showcase its unique branching structure when you shop at Nature Hills.

How well does it tolerate shade?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick tolerates partial shade but performs best in full sun to partial sun conditions. In too much shade, the distinctive twisted branching may become less pronounced and the plant can become leggy. For optimal form and the best yellow catkin display, plant in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What USDA hardiness zones can Harry Lauder's Walking Stick survive in?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling cold temperatures well as noted on Firewise plant lists. This hardy shrub tolerates winter conditions while providing year-round interest. Plant in fall for best establishment before winter.

How tall and wide does Harry Lauder's Walking Stick get when fully mature?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick typically reaches 8-10 feet tall and wide at maturity, forming a rounded shrub. This slow-growing specimen needs adequate space to showcase its twisted branching structure. Plan for its full size when selecting a location, and shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants.

What type of soil does Harry Lauder's Walking Stick need to thrive?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. This adaptable shrub tolerates various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in container plantings.

How often should I water my newly planted Harry Lauder's Walking Stick?

Water newly planted Harry Lauder's Walking Stick deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches down and water when it feels dry. Once established, this hardy shrub is quite drought tolerant and needs minimal supplemental watering.

Is Harry Lauder's Walking Stick a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is a slow-growing shrub that typically grows 6-10 feet tall and wide at maturity. This deliberate pace allows the characteristic twisted branches to develop their unique contorted shape over time. Plan for several years to see the full ornamental branching structure develop.

Will deer eat Harry Lauder's Walking Stick or is it deer resistant?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is generally deer resistant due to its rough-textured leaves and woody nature. Deer typically avoid this contorted hazel, making it a reliable choice for problem areas. Plant it as a specimen where deer browsing is a concern.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

Corylus avellana 'Contorta'