Witch Hazel Details
Witch Hazel - Hamamelis Virginiana
The American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is known as “nature’s rebel”, and is one of North America's most extraordinary native large shrubs or small understory trees. Prized for its captivating, fragrant flowers, brilliant autumn foliage, wildlife value, and remarkable herbal history, this unique species is commonly written as witchhazel, witch hazel, or witch-hazel, depending on the region or publication.
Why is it considered rebellious?
Because the American witch hazels steal the spotlight as other landscape plants start to wind down for winter. As their brilliant yellow autumn leaves begin to fall, sweetly fragrant, ribbon-like petals in glowing shades of gold heavily adorn entire branches. These tufts of golden-yellow resemble sprays of bright confetti. This showy display can occur anytime from October through December for several weeks, providing late-season nectar to native pollinators, and can even withstand frost.
As if blooming in late autumn weren't rebellious enough, the witch hazel's name has an equally renegade origin. Despite centuries of magical folklore, "witch" is believed to have evolved from the Old English word wych, meaning "bendable," a nod to witch hazel’s branches. Early settlers often used those branches as divining rods to help locate water below the soil. In addition, witch hazel is one of North America's best-known medicinal plants. Distilled witch hazel extract, made from its wood, has been trusted for generations in skincare and first-aid products, and is still widely used today.
Witch Hazel Offers a Hardy Plant with Deep Roots
Planning your landscape project with witch hazel allows this long-lived species to develop deep, healthy root systems that thrive in many settings, including woodland settings, native pollinator gardens, native landscape designs, restoration projects, and naturalized plantings. Witchhazel seedlings are a rewarding investment for the homeowner and landscape manager alike. Their adaptability, wildlife value, four-season beauty, and low-maintenance requirements make them an outstanding and sustainable choice for residential gardens, parks, schools, ecological restoration projects, riparian buffers, and naturalized property borders.
American Witch Hazel hazel promises a sustainable landscape
The Witch Hazel tree has an unusual timing that brings a welcome splash of color in late fall. It often continues well into winter, making it one of the most rewarding additions to any landscape. Its vibrant yellow blooms in the spring make it a favorite among homeowners and avid gardeners.
Gardeners love this shrub for its resilience and adaptability. It thrives in various soils, grows well in sun or partial shade, and needs little attention once established. Its strong branching structure and textured bark provide interest year-round, while its spreading form makes it a natural choice for hedges, privacy screens, or woodland gardens.
At TN Nursery, every Witch Hazel shrub is freshly dug, carefully packaged, and guaranteed to arrive in excellent condition.
Plant Details - Witch Hazel Shrub
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Water Needs: Moist
Height: 15 - 20 ft.
Spread: 15 – 20 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow
Wildlife Value: AttractsBees
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a great tree that will complement your yard in any capacity as a focal point, as a living fence, or as an understory plant in your woodland garden. It is also an excellent option for hedging. This plant, Hamamelis, has large, green, unique leaves in spring and summer that turn golden yellow in the fall.
Witch Hazel is a deciduous plant, but some leaves will remain on the tree. Pick the remaining dried brown leaves off if you prefer a cleaner look when in bloom. The flowers are fragrant and can be enjoyed from afar, but are better enjoyed up close. They are unique, with four long, spindly petals that seem to twist.
This is a low-maintenance plant that will need very little care after initial planting. It is attractive to bees, flies, and butterflies. Animals, including turkeys, will eat the seeds. This tree is tolerant of deer and other mammals, but it is recommended to protect it with caging or other means while it is young and easily damaged.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel can be planted under Black Walnut trees. Seeds will project themselves up to thirty feet away from the mother plant. This tree is a host plant for many butterflies, including the Spring Azure Butterfly.
