Hamamelis virginiana - Common Witch Hazel

Abundant in nature but sorely lacking in most gardens and landscapes, Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) ought to be utilized more by gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers.  It's incredibly adaptable to a wide range of conditions lending itself to be a durable and reliable choice where a small tree - one that matures around 15-20 feet - is desired. 

Of course, it would be amiss to not extoll its ornamental virtues. Common witch hazel is a multi stem tree - and most of our small native trees are - which brings a natural, relaxed look to a space. It's fall color is a reliable and brilliant yellow-gold. Most uniquely, perhaps, is its flowering. This is the last tree, native or exotic, to flower for the year. Flowers usually appear in October and often persist into November. The flowers themselves have a uniquely delicate form and are a soft, even yellow.

Common witch hazel is native to most of the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania, and can be easily found growing in the understory of forests and woodlands. While it thrives in part sun/shade, and is even tolerant of full shade (less than 4 hours), it also grows well in full sun. Flowering is most robust when planted in full sun. Common witch hazel grows in most soil types, including heavy clay, so long as it's well draining.

This species is an important part of eastern forest and woodland ecosystems, being a host plant for dozens of species of pollinator larvae, including the host specific Witch hazel dagger moth. The flowers themselves are often pollinated by winter owlet moths. (It's important to note that while butterflies get a lot of attention for pollinating plants, moths actually do a lot more of the heavy lifting!)

The witch hazel found in lotions and creams originates from processing compounds in the bark and leaves of this species, a practice European settlers learned from Indigenous Americans in the eastern United States.

If deer are a problem for you, we recommend you provide your tree with protection, such as a metal cage, until the tree is large enough to not be severely damaged. 

Written by Plumline staff and not AI.