The Corkscrew hazel tree is an attractive small tree or large shrub with heart shaped yellow foliage that appears in spring, turning green throughout the summer before buttery-yellow again in the autumn. This twisted hazel is most popular for its contorted branches that twist and corkscrew in spirals providing year round interest but particularly in winter when the leaves do not disguise the interesting form. Long yellow catkins on bare branches, from winter to spring, make a pretty feature and the stems are often used in flower arranging.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is a small tree or large shrub that will grow to 4 x 4 metres in 20 years and eventually form a rounded shape. This twisted hazel tree does well in any soil type (with a preference for chalky soil) that is moist but well-drained in partial shade or full sun. Exposure is well tolerated by this small, eventually rounded, ornamental tree.
AKA Corkscrew hazel tree, Corylus avellana, Corylus Contorta
- Common name: Corkscrew Hazel tree
- Height and spread in 20 years: 4 x 4 metres
- Seasons of interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Foliage: Yellow green leaves in spring, summer and autumn
- Flowers: Yellow catkins from winter to spring
- Soil: Tolerant of most soil types and suited to moist but well-drained sites
Twisted Hazel trees do not require regular pruning. If you wish to tidy up your hazel shrub, do this during the dormant season. Focus on removing any damaged, diseased or overcrowded branches.