Introduced by Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, Washington, this native, spring blooming witch hazel is distinctive with its smaller stature, mild fragrance, and profuse colorful blooms. Even though the individual flowers are small with short petals, the overall effect is a showy haze of reddish purple. Bloom time is January to March, providing color at a time of year when few plants are flowering. The leaves mature to a bluish green, turning shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist soil, though may require more water in full sun
Size: 5’-8’ tall, 5’-8’ spread
Zone: 4-8
Wildlife Value: Larval host for dozens of butterfly and moth species, including Spring Azure; flowers attract hover flies, midges, and other early pollinators
Photo: Samantha Nestory