Shrub of the Month - February 2009
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Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
(Corylus avellana 'Contorta')
Harry Lauder's walking stick is a small shrub known for its unusual corkscrew-like branching pattern. While its dramatically twisted, spiraling branches and twigs stand out best in winter, this shrub also looks delightful in other seasons. In spring you will find it covered with pendulous catkins, and in summer its smallish crinkly leaves add to its corkscrew appeal. It also provides florists and crafters with excellent material for arrangements. Find this February shrub in the Children's Garden.
Celebrated Scottish comedian and singer Sir Harry Lauder rarely appeared onstage without one of his trademark crooked walking sticks. Lauder died in 1950, but lives on in this unusual shrub named for him. The original plant, sometimes called European hazelnut or corkscrew hazelnut, was discovered in an English hedgerow in the mid-1800s. Since it can only be propagated by grafting, every Harry Lauder's Walking Stick since has been propagated from that single plant.
Mature height: 5' to 10' tall and wide
Rate of growth: Slow
Visit this shrub in all seasons to see its changing features!