American Witch Hazel
American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a unique and hardy deciduous shrub known for its striking yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in late fall into early winter, long after most other plants have finished flowering. American Witch Hazel Flowers can often be seen among the first snow falls of the year. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, this native shrub grows to a mature size of 15-20 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for large gardens, naturalized areas, or woodland edges. American Witch Hazel is especially valued for its late-season blooms, with ribbon-like yellow petals that appear from October to December. They offer vibrant color and beauty to the fall and winter landscape.
In addition to its distinctive fall flowers, American Witch Hazel boasts lush green foliage in the spring and summer, which turns a beautiful golden-yellow in autumn before the leaves drop. This multi-season interest makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking year-round beauty. The shrub’s spreading, vase-like growth habit, and adaptability to full sun or partial shade make it a versatile addition to various garden settings. American Witch Hazel is also known for its medicinal properties, as its bark and leaves have been traditionally used to make witch hazel extract, a popular natural remedy.
Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, American Witch Hazel is perfect for creating natural privacy screens or adding structure to woodland borders. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it an easy-care shrub for a variety of landscapes. Whether planted as a focal point or as part of a larger garden design, American Witch Hazel provides year-round interest and ecological benefits, such as attracting pollinators with its late-season blooms.
