WHAT: Contorted filbert, also known as Harry Lauder’s walking stick or corylus avellana contorta, is a deciduous tree with spiraled, mangled branches that provide striking winter interest in Northwest gardens.
Its branches are highly prized decorative items, both natural and spray-painted.
Tiny elongated flower clusters called catkins hang on the branches in November and December and then burst open in February and March, providing golden flowers for spring.
Dark green crinkled leaves offer some summer interest, but the magic of this shrubby tree emerges after the leaves fall and the gnarled branches become visible in autumn.
SUN OR SHADE: Plant contorted filbert in full or part sun for best results.
SIZE: This relatively small tree grows to about 8 feet tall and wide.
SEE IT: See a specimen of this plant at the Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; www.evergreenarboretum.com; 425-257-8597. Find it at the south end of the arboretum past the fernery and near the educational pavilion.
Source: Sandra Schumacher / Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens Foundation
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