Witch hazel (Hamamelis viginiana)

PLANT INFORMATION

Plant Size: 2 Gallon

Name: Witch-hazel – Hamamelis virginiana

Type: Perennial Shrub

This tall shrub is often multi-trunked and usually grows 10-15 ft. tall but can reach 35 ft. in height. The large, crooked, spreading branches form an irregular, open crown. The floral display of witch hazel is unique. Its fragrant, yellow flowers with strap-like, crumpled petals appear in the fall, persisting for some time after leaf drop. Lettuce-green, deciduous leaves maintain a rich consistency into fall when they turn brilliant gold. Bark is smooth and gray.

Growth Characteristics

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Acidic
Soil Description: Rich, well-drained soil. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based, Calcareous

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

The long-lived witch hazel performs best on moister sites. It tolerates wet soils, shade, and poor soil. Avoid extremely dry situations. Full sun forms fuller, more symmetrical plants. 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 yellow flowers with strappy petals that brighten winter landscapes. This plant serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Witch hazel dagger moth (Acronicta hamamelis). Plant witch hazel in a winter garden, native garden, pollinator garden, or along a woodland margin. Its dense canopy makes for a good spring and summer screen or tall hedge.