Witch Hazel is pretty looking in all seasons, but is admired most in fall, because of the pretty yellow blooms that are on show.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
What did the tree say when spring finally arrived?
- Oh! What a re-leaf!
Did you know?
- Witch Hazel is commonly used to apply to irritation, inflammation, or injuries as a topical astringent
- Branches from Witch Hazel are commonly used by dowsers (people that attempt to locate ground water, buried metals, gemstones, and oil using objects and materials without the use of a scientific apparatus) to locate water because of its bending properties
- Witch Hazel smells like root beer
- The distinctive petals of witch hazel are temperature sensitive; they become reflexed when cold and unfurl when warm
Common Names:
- Witch Hazel
- Common Witch Hazel
- Fall Witch Hazel
- Fall-blooming Witch Hazel
Wildlife Benefits:
- Birds eat the seeds
- Serves as a host plant for the larvae of the spring azure butterfly—an endangered species
Habitat:
- Woodlands
Size:
- 15-25' tall, with a crown width of 15-20'
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
Select Identification Characteristics:
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Bud Arrangement: Alternate
- Terminal Bud: Single
