Walking Stick Bonsai Tree (corylus avellana 'contorta')

The European Filbert or Hazelnut is generally grown for its tasty nuts, but not this one. 'Contorta' is better known as Harry's Walking Stick, has beautifully twisted and contorted weeping branches that are particularly striking when bare. In late winter to early spring, 2-3" long, yellowish catkins appear, dangling like ornaments from the wiry skeleton. They are followed by broad, fuzzy, droopy leaves that turn yellow before they drop in the fall. In spring and summer and early autumn, it has large crinkly leaves so dense it hides the exaggerated corkscrew appearance of the limbs. Deciduous. Keep outdoors.