SKU: SH00250

Hamamelis virginiana - Witch Hazel is a deciduous, understory large shrub or small tree of woodlands of eastern North America. The latest blooming of woody plants, the yellow spidery flowers appear in October-December. The twigs were used in colonial times as divining rods (water-witching), thus giving the common name to the plant.

Height: 15-20'
Spread: 15'
Zone: 3-8
Soil type: Prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils. Tolerates heavy clay soils.
Soil pH:
Light:Full sun to part-shade, best flowering in full sun
Moisture: Moist, well-drained
Flowers: Yellow, October-December
Fruit: Greenish seed capsules
Fall color: Showy Yellow

Wildlife value: The fruit of witch-hazel is eaten by ruffed grouse, northern bobwhite, ring-necked pheasant, white-tailed deer, beaver and cottontail rabbit. Witch-hazel fruit is a minor fall food for black bear in western Massachusetts.
Notes of Interest:Hamamelis virginiana was well known as a medicinal plant by Native Americans. Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois, Menominee, Mohegan, and Potowatomi tribes used it as a cold remedy, dermatological aid, febrifuge, gynecological aid, eye medicine, kidney aid, and in other ways (D. E. Moerman 1986). Modern uses employ both the bark and leaves, and a large demand exists for the pleasant-smelling water of witch-hazel, derived from the leaves and bark. The products are used in skin cosmetics, shaving lotions, mouth washes, eye lotion, ointments, and soaps. The distillate is used to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding, and check secretions of the mucous membranes.