Common Witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana

Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel) family that may grow 15 to 20 feet tall. Native to eastern North America, it may be found growing along woodland margins and stream banks from Canada to Mexico. The genus name Hamamelis comes from the Greek word hama for ‘at the same time’ and melon, which means fruit and refers to the fact that the plant can have both flowers and fruits appear at the same time, a somewhat rare feature. The species name virginiana means the plant is from Virginia.

Plant in full sun to partial shade, though the best flowering will be seen in full sun locations. Soil should be moist, acidic, organically rich and well draining. Pruning is not usually necessary except to maintain its shape. Pruning can be done in early spring, but keep in mind that flowers will appear on old growth. Witch hazel is intolerant of drought, but it does tolerate heavy clay soil, erosion, and browsing by deer.

The leaves of this woody ornamental shrub turn an attractive yellow color in the fall. It flowers anywhere from late fall to late winter with cheery yellow spider-like blooms that brighten dreary winter landscapes. 

Plant witch hazel in a winter garden or along a woodland margin. Its dense canopy makes for a good spring and summer screen or tall hedge. Specimens can be pruned into small trees and used as a patio planting.

This plant serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Witch hazel dagger moth (Acronicta hamamelis) moth.

Quick ID Hints:

• Flowers in axillary clusters with four ligulate petals
• Deciduous shrub to small tree with zig-zag twigs
• Leaf buds and young twigs tomentose

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious pests. Caterpillars, Japanese beetles, leaf gall aphids, weevils, scale, leafroller, and leafminer are occasional pests. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rots are occasional diseases. The foliage may be subject to damage from insect galls (small wasps), but it does not harm the plant.