Contorted Hazelnut Used in Landscaping

Identification

• Winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, contorted hazelnut is a small tree or deciduous shrub that grows to heights and widths of between 8 and 10 feet. The suckers that jut up from the base of the tree can mar its rounded appearance and twisting branches, so prune them regularly. The shrub prefers well-drained soil and consistently moist soils, and will grow in both full sun and part shade as well as a range of soil types.

Seasonal Interest

• The contorted hazelnut’s leaves are round, light green, and double-toothed, and are rather plain all year. Usually, contorted hazelnut is planted for its unusual growth habit and male flowers. Contorted hazelnut’s twisting branches lend it winter appeal when branches are bare and its shape can be seen to best effect. During the dormant season, before leaves appear, male catkins decorate the twisting, spiraling branches. Catkins are grouped in clusters of three and are usually 2 to 3 inches long. They mature to a yellow-brown color, which stands out against the darker gray-brown of the contorted hazelnut’s trunk. Although the deciduous leaves do turn yellow in fall before they drop from the tree, it usually isn’t a very showy display.

Fruits

• Fertilization of the female flowers is followed by the development of edible hazelnuts. Although “Contorta” does not produce fruit as reliably as the species plant, which is grown commercially for its nuts, it can still produce fruit. When it does, the nuts are edible. If its crop is too small to bother with harvesting, you will still benefit from the fact that it attracts birds and other wildlife to the garden.

Other Uses

• Twisted hazelnut's unique form and small, tidy growth habit suit it to foundation planting. Rather than planting it in a row along a wall, however, place it to best effect beside an entryway or at the corner of a house, where its twisted branches will create visual interest. You can also use it as a specimen plant in the middle of a bed surrounded by mulch or a low groundcover, or in a shrub border.