Hamamelis virginiana

COMMON NAME: Common Witchhazel

FAMILY: Witch-Hazel Family; Hamamelidaceae

GROWTH HABIT: Usually a shrub, but sometimes tree-like to 15 ft.

FOLIAGE: Alternate, simple, obovate or elliptic on zig-zag twigs.

BUDS: Stalked, the end bud crescent-shaped, tomentose, flattish; the lateral more cylindrical.. Flower buds--round opening in the fall, usually 3 or 4 on a bent twig.

BARK: Smooth gray to grayish brown on 2-year-old to 80-year old trunks.

FLOWERS: Long (3/4 - 4/5 inch), narrow, crinkly, yellow petals, opening in Oct. and Nov.

FRUIT: Capsule (1/2 inch long)--2-chambered and shoots outs its 2 seeds in the fall (12 months after flowering) then remains on plant.

NATURAL HISTORY: Usually found in moist, shady areas along stream banks.

NATIVE HABITAT: Canada to Georgia, west to Nebraska and Arkansas. Introduced 1736.