Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color: Gold, Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

15 to
20
feet

Spread:

15 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
20
feet
Spread: 15 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
20
feet
Spread: 15 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Shrub border or large background plant in native garden or woodland. Can be planted along stream banks and pond edges.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows best in moist, acidic, rich soil in partial shade. Tolerates clay soil and poor drainage. Remove basal sprouts to maintain tree-like shape.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description

A tall shrub or small tree with yellow, fragrant flowers that open in late fall or early winter. Upright spreading branches form an irregular, rounded crown. The deep, golden yellow fall leaf color can be outstanding and will often show at the same time that the shrub is blooming. Twigs, leaves and bark are the basis of witch hazel extract. Pollinated by Noctuid moths.

Photo: Carol Davit

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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