Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)

One of the very last native shrubs to bloom each year, witch hazel's fragrant yellow flowers appear after leaf drop and persist into winter, feeding late-season flies, bees, and specialized winter moths right when almost nothing else is blooming - and it's confirmed juglone-tolerant.

Species Overview

The American witch-hazel is a large shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, growing up to 15 to 30 feet tall. It is notable for its yellow, spidery flowers that bloom in late fall, often after the leaves have dropped. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, witch-hazel is a valuable plant for woodland gardens and naturalized areas, and is historically significant for its use in traditional medicine and the production of witch-hazel extract.

Application

• Woodland garden and naturalized area plantings - valued for late-fall bloom
• Winter garden and pollinator garden plantings
• Sites near black walnut, given confirmed juglone tolerance
• Screen, tall hedge, or specimen plantings along woodland margins

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade - best flowering in full sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, acidic, humus-rich soils; tolerates heavy clay; intolerant of drought
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Will tolerate occasional flooding, in addition to being deer resistant.
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 15-25 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; October-December
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland) - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region
• Native Range: Widespread across eastern North America
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate - best flowering in full sun
• Growth Habit: Rounded, Multi-stemmed
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports moths
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant