Harry Lauder Walking Stick hazel bush bearing nuts

I have monitored these discussions for several years but now I have a real question. I hope someone with even anecdotal evidence will help me out. I am in central NC zone 7B/8A . I have a Harry Lauder ,Walking Stick  hazel  bush that has been in the ground for approximately 12 years . I purchased it from a reputable nursery as a two year old potted specimen.  It has been healthy and has grown into a substantial 10 ' tall by 8' diameter bush.  I have never pruned it , its only care was a wood chip mulch when the weeds got a little bossy. This year it has decided to bear nuts. I know they are said to be sterile ,I have previously had one in another location that was. My question is  how significant is this? The HLWS   variety itself was a sport or natural  hybrid. I would love to share this info or plant specimens with anyone if this is rare or at least uncommon. Any advise ,comments or other information would be most appreciated. I am just an aging in place ,  budding permaculture  gardener looking to see if this is significant. Thank you

I wish I had advise for you, all I have is a quick story!

I grew up with a Harry Lauder Walking Stick bush in the front of my house. The funny branches would always ignite my young imagination. Unfortunately, it was removed and I haven't seen one ever sense. I'm so happy to hear that someone else has one!

While not meant for nut production, there are reports that it can produce some. This seems more likely if another hazelnut is in the area? Do you have other types growing?

I know that bush as contorted hazel.


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There certainly seem to be images of nuts on line. I'm with Timothy that it will be more likely to set nuts if another compatible hazel is nearby. I don't know if the nuts will be viable though, a lot of hazelnuts aren't even from normal bushes.

It would be interesting to sow the nuts and see what the offspring look like. I think I've seen a purple contorted hazel or filbert online too....

Timothy Norton wrote:I wish I had advise for you, all I have is a quick story!

I grew up with a Harry Lauder Walking Stick bush in the front of my house. The funny branches would always ignite my young imagination. Unfortunately, it was removed and I haven't seen one ever sense. I'm so happy to hear that someone else has one!

While not meant for nut production, there are reports that it can produce some. This seems more likely if another hazelnut is in the area? Do you have other types growing?

I planted 2 native hazels in my fruit orchard 3 years ago . they were unnamed natives about 2 years old. They are now 6-7 feet tall and produced about 3 nuts each last year. Having read about the constant battle with squirrels  ,maybe thats all they didnt find. This year I see only a few nuts forming on them while the adjacent apples , pears  ,blueberries and elderberries are looking to have a  banner year. So im assuming lack of pollination or early frost is not the problem. They are at least 1000 feet on the opposite side of the house. I do have a dozen mature figs of 5 varieties  and elderberry and blackberries in the same area that have set good fruit t his year. My question is ,if these nuts prove to be edible  ,what is the best way to save the strain or hybrid I have.

Timothy Norton wrote:I wish I had advise for you, all I have is a quick story!

I grew up with a Harry Lauder Walking Stick bush in the front of my house. The funny branches would always ignite my young imagination. Unfortunately, it was removed and I haven't seen one ever sense. I'm so happy to hear that someone else has one!

While not meant for nut production, there are reports that it can produce some. This seems more likely if another hazelnut is in the area? Do you have other types growing?

I forgot to mention to you that my previous experience  with HLWS was in the Hudson Valley in Hyde Park. That bush thrived  for a while and then the blight or what ever it was got it

The contorted filbert does not usually produce nuts. This photo on August 20, 2024, shows a single nut on St. Philibert's Day. There are no absolutes in biology.

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