Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

Continuing with trees from a different world, the Corylus avellana 'Contorta' seems as though it has been dreamed up rather than grown organically. It twists and turns its branches fabulously, appearing to change its mind almost playfully. An extraordinary plant.

Corylus avellana 'Contorta', "Corkscrew Hazel".
(Deciduous tree.)

Planting: Moist but well-drained soil.
Flowering: Early spring.
Aspect: Full sun or partial shade.
Hardiness: Very hardy.

Notes: The first Corylus avellana 'Contorta', from which all others were cultivated, was discovered by Victorian gentleman Edward Augustus Bowles. It still lives outside his home, Myddelton House, which he referred to as "the Lunatic Asylum" - surely there would be no better tree stood before such a place.