This unique, deciduous shrub has interesting, gnarly, heavily twisted branches; even the leaves are oddly contorted. Foliage is a medium green, turning yellow in the autumn. Showy greenish-yellow catkins appear in winter. Size is variable, depending on the branching patterns, but eventually may reach 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. An interesting specimen, maybe it's best use is as a winter accent, when the twisted and curled branches are most visible.
Grow in well drained, loamy soil in full sun to part shade. This cultivar is usually sold in a grafted form, so root suckers should be promptly removed since they will not exhibit the characteristic contorted form. Periodic thinning may help accentuate the contorted form; for instructions in selective pruning, see the Guides. Do not shear! If you thin it out, keep the stems as they are wonderful structural interest in floral arrangements.