Witch-Hazel, American

Common Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Overall, Common Witch-Hazel is valued for its unique bloom time, attractive foliage, and historical medicinal uses, making it a notable plant in both natural and cultural contexts.

Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped, with wavy edges, and typically measure 3 to 6 inches long. They are dark green in color and turn yellow to orange in the fall before dropping.
Flowers: The flowers are small, about 1/2 inch wide, with four narrow, ribbon-like petals that are typically yellow to orange in color. They bloom in late fall (October to December), which is unique as most plants flower in spring or summer.
Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces seed capsules that mature over the course of the following year.
Habitat and Range: Common Witch-Hazel is found primarily in the eastern and central United States and eastern Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, stream banks, and rocky slopes.
Medicinal Uses: The bark and leaves of Witch-Hazel have long been used in traditional medicine by Native American and early European settlers. It is known for its astringent properties and has been used to treat minor skin irritations, bruises, and insect bites.
Growth Habit: It typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) tall at maturity. It spreads to a similar width, forming an irregular, open shape.
Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hours direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hours light daily), Full shade (4 hours or less of light daily)