Although many Witch Hazels bloom in the spring, American Witch Hazel blooms in late fall. Fragrant, orange-yellow flowers with crinkled, ribbon-like petals hug its branches from November to as late as December. A deciduous shrub or small tree, its dark green, wavy, oval leaves turn shades of golden yellow before they fall. Extracts of the bark have been used medicinally for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conditions: Full sun to part sun; medium to moist soil
Size: 15’ - 20’ height; 15’ - 20’ spread
Zone: 3-8
Wildlife Value: Flowers support butterflies, moths, bees, wasps and beetles; larval host for the uncommon Witch Hazel Dagger Moth
Photo: Caleb Arrowood