Witchhazel - Native Plant of the Week

See it here!

View Wildflower of the week in a larger map

Witch-hazel is a small tree or tall shrub is often multi-trunked and usually grows10-15 ft. tall but can reach 35 ft. in height. The large, crooked, spreading branches form an irregular, open crown. In the fall, the leaves turn a rich yellow color.

Witchhazel's most outstanding characteristic is its habit of flowering in the fall or winter when other blooms are scarce. It is cherished for branches that can be cut and brought indoors to flower where their soft sweet perfume can be savored.

But be warned, If you bring flowering witchhazel branches indoors, be careful to remove the seed capsules from the previous year. Otherwise, the warm indoor air will cause them to explode, flinging seeds as far as 30 feet!

The nutty seeds taste sort of like pistachios and were greatly enjoyed by native Americans, who considered witchhazel an important medicinal plant. The bark was used to treat skin ulcers, sores, and tumors.

And FYI, forked witchhazel branches are also favored as divining rods for locating sources of underground water.