Do Contorted Filbert Trees Bear Nuts? Let’s Get Twisted!
Okay, so you’re eyeing a contorted filbert, also known as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, with its crazy, winding branches. It’s a real head-turner, especially in the bleak midwinter when those bare branches put on a show. Gardeners love using the quirky stems in flower arrangements, too. But here’s the burning question: will this conversation piece give you a stash of hazelnuts? Well, the short answer is probably not, and that’s a bit of a bummer for us nut-lovers.
Beauty Over Bounty
See, while Corylus avellana is indeed the same species as the European filbert – the one that does produce those delicious hazelnuts we all love – the ‘Contorta’ is really all about the looks. Think of it as the supermodel of the hazelnut world: stunning, but not exactly known for its productivity. Sure, both Johnson’s Nursery and Epic Gardening will tell you that while other filbert cultivars and hybrids are grown for nuts, the contorted filbert is more of a “look, don’t touch” kind of plant. It might give you a few nuts, but don’t count on making a hazelnut pie anytime soon. The Missouri Botanical Garden, while confirming that the regular European filbert does produce edible nuts, doesn’t promise the same for the ‘Contorta’.
This quirky shrub has been around since 1863, when it was discovered as a random mutation in an English hedgerow. Can you imagine stumbling upon that? Ever since, it’s been grown for its bizarre, twisted branches. And let’s be honest, those branches are pretty darn cool, especially when they’re sporting those pale yellow catkins in late winter. The female flowers? Not so much. They’re tiny and easy to miss.
So, What’s the Deal with the No Nuts?
Why does this plant hold out on the nut production? A few things are at play here:
- Looks Mattered Most: When they found this funky shrub, folks were way more interested in its twisted shape than whether it could churn out hazelnuts.
- Grafting Shenanigans: Most contorted filberts are grafted onto the rootstock of a different filbert variety. This can cause suckers to sprout from the base, and these suckers won’t have the cool twisted look. If you don’t keep them trimmed, they can take over the whole plant!
- Maybe It’s Just Shy: Okay, not really, but it’s possible that whatever caused the contorted growth also messed with its ability to make nuts.
A Few Nutty Exceptions
Now, before you give up all hope, there are a couple of exceptions to keep in mind:
- ‘Red Dragon’ to the Rescue?: The ‘Red Dragon’ cultivar, developed at Oregon State University, is supposedly resistant to eastern filbert blight, and it might give you a few nuts if it has a buddy nearby for pollination. Plus, it’s smaller and has awesome burgundy leaves!
- The Birds and the Bees (and the Filberts): Even if your contorted filbert does make female flowers, it needs pollen from a different, compatible filbert to actually set nuts. They’re not into self-pollination, apparently.
- Life’s a Struggle: If your plant is stressed out or sick, it’s not going to be in the mood to make nuts.
How to Keep Your Contorted Filbert Happy
So, you still want one? Here’s how to keep your twisted friend thriving:
- Sunshine is Key: Give it plenty of sun, or at least some partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal to keep it happy and healthy.
- Happy Roots, Happy Plant: It likes moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soil is a no-go.
- Water, Water Everywhere: Water it regularly, especially when it’s young and during dry spells.
- Snip, Snip, Hooray: Prune it in early spring to get rid of any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. And for goodness’ sake, keep those suckers trimmed!
- Keep an Eye Out: Watch out for pests and diseases, especially Eastern filbert blight.
Eastern Filbert Blight: The Nemesis
Speaking of diseases, Eastern filbert blight is a real threat to contorted filberts. Keep an eye out for dying branches, bumps on the twigs, and black fungal spots on the bark. The Purdue Landscape Report warns that these cankers can spread quickly, eventually killing the whole tree. Even though the contorted filbert is supposedly resistant, keep a close watch and prune out any infected branches ASAP!
The Bottom Line
Alright, so your contorted filbert probably won’t shower you with hazelnuts. But its unique, twisted form makes it a fantastic addition to any garden. Give it the right care, and this “gnarly problem plant” will be a showstopper in your landscape for years to come. And who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and it’ll surprise you with a few nuts after all!