Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

When I was at a country auction this past weekend, I spied a unique and fabulous tree that I didn’t recognize. It’s eerie in shape and bending, corkscrewed limbs convinced me that I had to have one of these specimens for my yard. But, what was it?

As chance would have it, a garden catalog arrived on Monday with “my” tree in it. It’s called “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick.” And, when it’s not being fancy and pretentious, it’s a species of Hazelnut tree. Hmmmmmmm!

Here’s a little more about this showpiece of a tree:

* The formal name is “corylus avellana “Contorta”

* This tree grows to about seven feet with a spread of about five feet

* “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick” thrives in growing zones 3-8

* It flowers in the spring

* It prefers part sun and part shade

“Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick” is available from Wayside Gardens and other specialty plant retailers. Look for it in my garden this summer.

(photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)