- Botanical name: Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
- Common name: Corkscrew hazel
- Family: Corylaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Deciduous
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Flowers
- Fruits
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is a small hazel with contorted stems that stand out in winter against the clear blue sky. From late winter it bears golden-yellow catkins, before fresh green, twisted leaves appear. It’s ideal for growing in a mixed sunny border or front garden, where its winter structure can be fully appreciated. It’s also suitable for growing in a large pot. The twisted stems are useful in flower arranging. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost.
How to grow Corylus 'Contorta' (corkscrew hazel)
-
Plant size
3m height
4m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does fruit in June |
J
Plant does fruit in July |
A
Plant does fruit in August |
S
Plant does not fruit in September |
O
Plant does not fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Corylus 'Contorta' and wildlife
Corylus 'Contorta' is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Corylus 'Contorta' poisonous?
Corylus 'Contorta' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
