Witch Hazel (Virginiana; Fall blooming)
For reference only. Not currently for sale.
Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
Type: Flowering Shrub
Native
Fall blooming native
Photo by Mt. Cuba Center
American Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, is large native shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed trunk and spreading branches that form an irregular, open crown. Mature plants can reach heights of 25 feet, however 12 to 15 feet is typical.
Despite its stunning fall leaf color, Witch Hazel is best known for its fringed yellow flowers which appear in late fall and stay on the branches long after the leaves have dropped. Even in the cold Midwest, the blooms persist into November and beyond. Great fall color, winter interest, a large vase shape, fragrant flowers, and fruit for the birds are features that make this a very popular landscape shrub.
Long-lived, Witch Hazel performs best on moist sites but handles most soils, growing equally well in well-drained top soil and poorly drained clay. Extremely dry situations are best avoided. As a woodland understory shrub it prefers some shade but it will grow in full sun as well. (Source: Prairie Nursery, Inc.)