Hamamelis virginiana 'Witch Hazel'

Hamamelis virginiana, known as common witch hazel, is a fall blooming, deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to woodlands, forest margins and stream banks in eastern North America. Clusters of fragrant bright yellow flowers, each with four crinkly, ribbon shaped petals, appear along the branches from October to December. Flowers will form fruit over a long period extending through winter and into the following growing season. Fruits are greenish seed capsules that become woody with age and mature to light brown. Each seed capsule splits open in fall of the following year, exploding the 1-2 black seeds within for up to 30 feet. Oval, medium to dark green leaves with wavy margins turn quality shades of yellow in fall. The aromatic extract of leaves, twigs, and bark is used in mildly astringent lotions and other toiletries. Add it for some interest in your borders, woodland garden, or as a hedge!