Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis, pronounced ham-ah-MAY-lis) is native, widely found in southeastern US woodlands. It blooms in winter, a welcome bright spot in in the garden.
Witch-hazel blooms consist of four strap-like petals, secured to the stem via a darker calyx. The fruit and flowers occur on the stems at the same time, an oddity. Several cultivars are widely available. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ has yellow-to-orange flowers and Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Dianne’ has rusty red flowers. If yellow is your color of choice, seek out ‘Arnold Promise,’ or ‘Princeton Gold.’ Seeds are a preferred food for wild turkeys and other wildlife.
The roundish leaves have pleats that remind me of Viburnum. The pretty, bright green leaves change color in the autumn. Varieties with yellow blooms tend to have yellow fall foliage, while those with red blooms show a redder fall color. Witch-Hazel is one of the woods of choice among dowsers, those who use divining rods (Y-shaped sticks) to detect water sources underground. Dowsing is also called “water-witching” (or “hooey” by skeptics).
Witch-Hazel enjoys the same cultural conditions as Redbud (Cercis canadensis) or the Dogwood (Cornus mas) featured in this blog last week. The zig-zag stems resemble that of Cercis. The bark of Witch-Hazel is smooth while the Cornus is rough and flaky. Like the Cornelian Cherry, it splits the difference between short tree and tall shrub. Trees prefers high, filtered shade but will take more sun in cooler zones. They grows best in acidic, moist soil, Zone 3-8, with a mature height up to 30 feet.
Natural astringent properties have made Witch-Hazel a common topical treatment for acne or minor skin irritations. You will find it on the ingredients list of several cosmetic skin toners. It doesn’t sting like rubbing alcohol, so it is a better option for children’s scrapes.
Under-plant Witch-Hazel with bulbs like crocus or daffodil. Grafted shrubs tend to sucker, so remove any growth below the graft line.
Writer’s note: There seems to be no consistency in the common name. Use your choice: Witch Hazel, Witch-hazel, or Witchhazel.
Hamamelis ‘Jelena’ in bloom