John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s
Wildflower Spot – January 2007
WITCHHAZEL
Hamamelis virginiana
A crooked,
multi-trunked, low-branching shrub or small tree, 15-20 feet
tall, witchhazel is grown mostly for its winter flowers.
Common witchhazel blooms after the leaves fall, usually in deep
winter. Depending upon the location, blooming occurs
November through February. The strap-like yellow blossoms
are often the only color in a snowy landscape. Vernal
witchhazel, Hamamelis vernalis, produces coral flowers in
February.
Witchhazel leaves are
aromatic, and in the fall show yellow, orange or purple colors.
This plant likes rich, acid soil and moist to dry drainage.
Seeds are eaten by ruffed grouse and squirrels. Witchhazel
is pollinated by winter moths that fly when temperatures are
above freezing. Leaf litter protects the moths during cold
nights.
A widely used medicinal
herb, the North American Indians used witchhazel bark to heal
wounds, treat tumors and for eye problems. The bark is
astringent and hemostatic; a homeopathic remedy is made from
fresh bark and used to treat nosebleeds, hemorrhoids and
varicose veins. The bottled witchhazel is a steam
distillate, used as an external application to bruises, sore
muscles, and inflammations.
Written by Helen Hamilton, president of the John Clayton Chapter
of the Virginia Native Plant Society
