Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana

A native shrub or small tree reaching between 15’ – 30’ high, Witch Hazel can be multi-trunked with spreading branches that form an irregular, open crown. Its fragrant, yellow spider-like blooms appear anywhere from late fall to late winter and brighten the dreary winter landscape. Its deciduous leaves create a nice fall display when they turn brilliant gold.

This plant tolerates full sun to partial shade, however, best flowering occurs in a sunny location. It does not like drought, but it does tolerate heavy clay soil, erosion, and deer. Songbirds eat the small fruit capsules which appear at the same time as the flowers. It also attracts moths, pollinators, and small mammals. Specimens can be pruned into small trees and used as a patio planting.

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