Hamamelis virginiana

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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)

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