Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Native Perennial small understory deciduous tree, often multi-trunked, spreading branches form an irregular, open crown. Typically grows to 10-15′  but can reach 35′ in height. (grows 12-24" per year.

New leaves emerge reddish-bronze in the spring, and turn a brilliant gold in the fall.

Has wispy fragrant yellow flowers that appear in late fall and remain well into winter. The flowers are self-fertile and pollination is carried out by small flies and bees, along with several species of winter moths – which are active on cold nights. Native Bloom Time: October, November, December

If pruning it should be done immediately after flowering, to ensure blooms in the late fall.  Remove dead, damaged & crossing branches.  Keep pruning to a minimum.  

Tolerates: Full ,Part Shade ,to Shade (although does best in Part Shade North facing gardens with wet to medium soils(can tolerate poor soils as long as they are wet-medium.  With Full sun it forms fuller, more symmetrical plants, although may require more watering.  When the seeds mature they open suddenly, with an audible popping sound, and are spring as far as 30 feet from the mother tree. This seed dispersal can create an understory grove.  Can also be planted in a large pot and placed on a Shady balcony.

Benefits: Attracts late season pollinators :owl moths, gnats & late season bees. Provides shelter for butterflies and moths. Seeds are a food source for birds and mammals.

It is still used today in skin care products