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Hamamelis virginiana

Also Known As

Hamamelis macrophylla
Common Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 12'-20'
W: 8'-12'

planting zones

3a-8b

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Hamamelis virginiana plant details

Hamamelis virginiana is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In fall and winter yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hamamelis virginiana

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: hamamelidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 12 FT - wide, 12 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and winter
Uses: bare root shipping available, border plant, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fall color, focal point, vase-shaped, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hamamelis virginiana

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Witch Hazel is a native small tree or large deciduous bush. It has a fragrant yellow blooms from October to December. The leaves emerge a vivid green in spring and turn a bright yellow to yellow-orange for fall. It can be planted as an under story tree or kept pruned to maintain a shorter height. Very tolerant of most soil conditions, but prefers moist and acidic soil to thrive. Witch Hazel means 'to bend' which is why they are used for divining rods. It has many medicinal uses such as bruises, hemorrhoids, and a facial astringent.

By: Maples N More Nursery

The commercial source of witch hazel, this 15' graceful, spreading shrub is the last to bloom in fall when its unusual golden ribbon-like flowers unfurl, the lightly fragrant flowers usually make their appearance after the leaves drop in autumn, but sometimes they appear at the same time as the yellow fall color; found growing in the Eastern United States these shrubs are very adaptable to most garden conditions (including clay), remove suckers if you do not wish this shrub to spread, otherwise it is a maintenance free shrub. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Witch Hazel is a popular landscaping plant because of its attractive and dense foliage, multi-trunked small tree habit, and fragrant yellow flowers in the dead of winter. Gardeners are always looking for plants that start growing early in the spring or even late in the winter to get them through the slow start each year.

American Witch Hazel is native across the Eastern states and is popular in landscaping for its fragrant flowers and tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions. Once established they are drought tolerant and grow quickly even in poor soils. The American species flowers earlier than most other Witch Hazel species, with the first blooms appearing as early as October and continuing through the winter. They typically grow to around 20 feet tall and develop into a multi-trunked tree form over time, although they can be pruned to a single trunk if desired. The fall color is a light orange.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Most often used as a rootstock for selected cultivars. This native American shrub can grow to 20 ft. with equal spread. Prefers moist soils, but full sun in the landscape encourages more compact growth. Trim branches just before the plant blooms to force indoor flowers.

By: Heritage Seedlings

New leaves emerge reddish-bronze in spring on this unique, versatile native and turn a brilliant gold for a late season show. The last woody plant to flower each year, Hamamelis virginiana boasts fragrant, yellow Autumn flowers that persist after leaf drop. Used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Folklore holds that a forked stick from a Witchhazel can help locate underground water. Zones 3-8.

By: Prairie Nursery

Blooms: fall-winter, yellow/ deciduous yellow autumn color Zone 3-9. 6'-20', Eastern US, shade-sun, moist, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

A small Native understory small tree or shrub of deciduous forests. New leaves emerge reddish-bronze and are a quite showy clear yellow in Fall. 1" spider-like yellow flowers with crinkled petals and a nice light, spicy fragrance. One of the last 'Woodies' to bloom, in October to November. Although a classic in the American garden for 200 years, it's been foolishly ignored in this country in favor of Japanese hybrids while it's all the rage in Japanese gardens! Go figure. :-)

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Hamamelis virginiana plant details

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hamamelis virginiana

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hamamelis virginiana

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Garden photo gallery of Hamamelis virginiana

Gardening facts about Hamamelis virginiana plant

How to Grow Hamamelis virginiana

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