American witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana
ABOUT
It is an autumn-flowering deciduous shrub or small tree native to woodlands, forest edges, and stream banks in eastern North America.
It usually grows 15-20 feet tall, but can reach up to 30 feet in its native habitat. From October to December, bunches of fragrant bright yellow flowers appear on the branches pressed against the stem, usually after the leaves have dropped.
The pollinated flowers produce fruit over a long period lasting all winter, spring and summer. The fruits are greenish capsules with seeds, which become woody and light brown with age.
Each seed capsule opens in the fall of the following year, throwing out 1-2 black seeds from which new shrubs can grow.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hamamelidaceae
Synonyms
Witch-hazel, Common witch-hazel, American witch-hazel Snapping hazel nuts, Potted alder,
Winter bloomCommon names
Hamamelis androgyna, Hamamelis riparia, Trilopus nigra var. catesbiana, Trilopus nigra, Trilopus riparia, Trilopus estivalis, Hamamelis virginica var. parvifolia, Trilopus rotundifolia, Hamamelis dioica, Hamamelis rotundifolia, Hamamelis corylifolia, Hamamelis estivalis, Trilopus virginica, Hamamelis nigra, Hamamelis virginiana var. orbiculata, Hamamelis caroliniana, Hamamelis parvifolia, Trilopus dentata, Hamamelis dentata, Hamamelis macrophylla, Hamamelis virginica var. macrophylla, Hamamelis hyemalis, Hamamelis virginiana var. parvifolia, Hamamelis communis, Trilopus parvifolia, Hamamelis virginiana var. angustifolia, Hamamelis virginica, Hamamelis monoica
ToxicityTo humans
The risk of toxicity depends on the amount ingested. Сan be very toxic, especially if consumed in large quantities. Can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Consumption of witch hazel can lead to metabolic disorders like kidney or liver failure.To pets
Witch hazel contains phenolic-based acids localized in the bark, leaves, and twigs. The phenolic acids and tannins can be very toxic, especially if consumed in large quantities. After your pet eats witch hazel, they may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Ingestion of witch hazel can also lead to metabolic disorders, including kidney or liver failure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
From yellow to green
Flower color
Yellow, orange
Height
20 feet
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General BenefitsActively used in medicine: reduces inflammation, reduces skin irritation, helps in the treatment of hemorrhoids, fights acne, soothes sore throats;
Flowers exude a pleasant fragrance.
Medical PropertiesHamamelis virginiana is a plant that has been used for centuries to make medicines. Today you are likely to find Witch Hazel at the drugstore where it is sold as a skin remedy. The remedies relieve inflammation, soothe and clear acne from the skin.
Witch Hazel is also used as part of anti-inflammatory medicines.
Do not use Hamamelis virginiana without consulting your doctor. It can cause serious allergic reactions!
Other UsesIt's widely used in medicine;
H. virginiana produces a special kind of tannins. One of these substances has specific cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells (do not use without consulting your doctor. May cause allergic reactions);
The forked sprigs of hazel are preferred as wands for divination.
Interesting Facts
Plant SymbolismHamamelis means protection and inspiration, but it can also symbolize magic and mysticism. Sprigs of witch hazel are used as divination wands.
WaterWatering the plant depends on the weather. The hotter it is, the more often watering is required. Mulching will help to retain moisture.
LightWitch hazels perform best in full sun (or filtered shade in hotter regions), where the flowers glow like fiery embers in the backlight of the low winter sun.
TemperatureA very hardy shrub. Can survive almost anywhere in the world.
Temperatures below 45 °F are required to prompt blooming in Witch Hazels, so they are not suitable for cultivation in most coastal areas where temperatures stay moderate.
PruningPruning is usually unnecessary, except to maintain shape. It is preferably done in early spring.
SoilWitch hazels perform best when planted in a moist but well-drained, loamy, acidic soil. They do not flourish in heavy, wet, and compacted soils and are subject to drought stress.
RepottingHamamelis virginiana is an outdoor shrub, so it does not need replanting.
Humidity & MistingMedium humidity is great for Hamamelis virginiana.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not growing
Outdoor
All year round, where temperatures range from -4 to 80 °F. However, can survive small temperature variations in one direction and the other.
Hardiness zone
5 - 9 USDA
Life cycleIt grows quite slowly.
The mature plant begins to flower in the fall. In winter, spring and summer, Witch Hazel produces fruits, which open the following fall. After the leaves fall out, the fragrant flowers reappear.
If you planted Witch Hazel seeds, expect to sprout only in the spring, but not until a year after sowing.
PropogationPropogation time
October, November
Hamamelis can be propagated by freshly harvested seeds. Seeds are sown in October-November in boxes that are well covered with sawdust. Boxes with planted seeds are kept in winter at 35-40 °F. You can place them in a cold unheated greenhouse, or bury them in the snow.
Note that seedlings appear in the spring, but only one year after sowing!
Hamamelis varieties can be grafted onto seedlings of this species.
PestsSpider mite, Scale insects, Aphid, Japanese beetle
DiseasesRoot Rot, Powdery mildew, Black spot, Crown gall
