a small ornamental tree known for its twisted, curling branches that create dramatic winter interest. Also called Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, it produces textured green leaves and dangling yellow catkins in late winter. Its unusual structure makes it popular in landscape design and floral arrangements, adding sculptural beauty to gardens year-round.
Light & Location
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Light: Full sun to partial shade
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Placement: Best in open areas where its twisted form and catkins are visible; also works in hedges, screens, or containers
Soil & Water
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Soil: Moist, organically rich, well-drained; tolerates average garden soils but avoid heavy clays
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Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially after planting and during dry spells. Water every 7 days in warm weather; reduce in cooler, wetter conditions
Temperature & Humidity
Fertilizing
- Fertilize only if healthy; use PlantTone in Spring
Pruning
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Minimal pruning to preserve the contorted habit G
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Remove only diseased, damaged, or crossing shoots in late winter or early spring
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Promptly remove root suckers if the plant is grafted, as they can revert to uncontorted form
Pest & Disease
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Pests: Scale, Japanese beetles, aphids, gall mites, sawflies
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Disease: Eastern filbert blight (especially in the eastern U.S. and Oregon) can cause browning, wilting, and cankers; remove infected branches promptly
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Leaf spot can also occur