Hamamelis virginiana

Identifying Features

Witch hazel is a small tree, growing up to 35’ but is often shorter. The bark is smooth and gray with some rough patches.

Their leaves are alternate and simple. They’re rounded with wavy edges and an uneven base. In the fall, they turn yellow.

Habitat & Range

Witch hazel trees are found throughout the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada. They grow in moist soils.

Life Cycle

Witch hazel flowers are bright yellow with long, wispy petals. They bloom in the fall, providing an important late-season food source for pollinators.

The seeds of this plant are light brown and acorn-like. In the late fall, the seedpod pops and is flung up to 20’ away!

Featured image by James Dake.