(Hamamelis virginiana)
The Witch-hazel Family (Hamamelidaceae)
Small tree or shrub with arching branches growing as dense, multi-stemmed clump. Alternate, lettuce- green, deciduous, simple leaves turn brilliant gold in fall. Bark smooth and gray.
Habitat:
Forests, along streams, edges of woods.
Interesting Facts:
Extract of leaves, twigs, and bark used to make an astringent for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
Fruit:
Witchhazel flowers and fruits simultaneously; fruit remains on shrub all winter, matures in fall as new flowers bloom. Fruit, which is about .5” long, explodes when ripe, launching two black seeds up to 30 feet.
Flower:
Fragrant, lemon-yellow, spider-like blossoms, .5-.75”, appear in late fall after leaves drop.
Wildlife value:
Many birds, as well as beaver, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits eat the seeds.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 2.00-6.00 inches
Tree height: 12.00-30.00 feet
PDF link:
Where to find Witchhazel on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 5.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.