Witch-hazel

Hamamelis virginiana
WITCH-HAZEL
Hamamelidaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates R-15 (southwest side of Conrad Hall),
N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'41''

Planting history: planted 5/6/10. Source: Delaware Nature Society. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).

Description:

deciduous shrub or small tree
etymology: Hamamelis from Greek name for another plant; virginiana = of Virginia
leaves with uneven base, wavy-toothed
flowers yellow, open late in fall (last tree to bloom), with 4 ribbon-like petals
fruits thick woody capsules, light brown, open explosively; seeds dispersed up to 20’ away. Fruits mature 1 year after the flowers; open capsules often stay on tree an additional 1+ years
buds naked
used medicinally; liniment made from oils from young leaves, bark and twigs. Also used as “divining rods” (thought to be able to locate water)
common in forest edges or understory, from southeastern Canada to central Florida

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)