Summary
In mid-autumn, common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bursts into flower. This multi-stemmed, irregular-spreading small tree can reach 15-20’ tall, and produces masses of bright yellow flowers with thin, crinkly petals right as leaves are dropping. Common witch-hazel grows best in partial shade to full sun. It prefers slightly acidic well-drained to dry soils where it produces stunning autumn flowering and golden foliage displays. It will tolerate heavy clay soils. Common witch-hazel is at its best as a border plant, understory companion, or a specimen in combination with plants such as American holly (Ilex opaca), mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), and pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub, tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
mid-fall - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
yellow - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Flora of North America, Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers