Hamamelis virginiana - Common Witch Hazel

A large shrub with an upright, wide-spreading habit of growth; fall is its season to shine, with fragrant bright yellow strap-shaped flowers and golden fall foliage (which often hides the flowers); grow where space is not a problem

Height: 18 feet. Spread: 20 feet. Sun: full sun, partial shade, full shade. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Common Witchhazel has fragrant yellow strap-like flowers along the branches in late fall before the leaves, which are interesting on close inspection. It has green deciduous foliage. The serrated round leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall.

Landscape

Common Witchhazel is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, Hedges/Screening, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens.

Planting and growing

Common Witchhazel will grow to be about 18 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.