Hamamelis virginiana
American Witchhazel
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.The floral display of American Witchhazel is unique. Its fragrant, cream to yellow flowers with tassle-like, crumpled petals bloom...
Description:
The floral display of American Witchhazel is unique. Its fragrant, cream to yellow flowers with tassle-like, crumpled petals bloom September-December, persisting for some time after leaf drop. As the brown seed capsules ripen the following summer, they split open and shoot out the small black seeds for several feet in all directions. Seeds are a food source for small mammals and birds. Leaves turn a brilliant gold in the fall. Witchhazel oil has traditionally been used in salves for soothing insect bites, burns, and poison ivy rashes. An old folklore tale is that a forked branch of Witchhazel could be used to locate underground water. Use American Witchhazel as a specimen plant, or plant in groups for a hedge or screen. Good choice for a wildlife or woodland garden.
Plant Details:
Other Common Names: Common Witchhazel
Plant Type: Shrub
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Summer to Fall, Winter
Bloom Colors: Yellow, White
Deer Resistance: Some
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Low to None
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: Low
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 20 - 30 ft
Spread: 20 - 25 ft
Growth Rate: Slow-medium