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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Hamamelis virginiana
Witchhazel is one of the most unusual eastern North American forest trees. The plant’s growth habit is irregular, with its multiple trunks bending and curving almost unnaturally to find spots of light that penetrate the upper woodland canopy. For this reason, it makes a unique and noticeable visual attractor in fall and winter. Another great trait is its bloom time and interesting flowers, which are yellow, thin, and ribbon-like as though someone were throwing a birthday party in the dead of winter. As one of the few plants to go to full bloom in fall and winter, Witchhazel is also one of the only food sources for insect life (flies, midges, beetles) that also tolerates the cold, thereby holding a monopoly over wintertime pollination—an interesting ecological niche. There exist Asian relatives of Witchhazel (Loropetalum, Hamamelis japonica) which bloom in springtime and are virtually useless for encouraging native wildlife, so be wary and note the botanical name.
On another note, Witchhazel also has medicinal value because of its astringency. Native Americans employed a decoction of the leaves and bark to treat colds, eye infections, kidney problems, skin conditions, stings, and wounds. Even today one can find Witchhazel extracts at most drug stores for similar purposes, including treating acne.
Witchhazel’s seeding mechanism is also interesting. The previous year’s seed capsules mature at the same time as its current year’s flowers, and quite often one can hear an audible popping sound as the seeds are forcefully ejected up to 25 out from the tree like bullets. Select a native Witchhazel for a plant which, both visually and ecologically, truly stands out.
Hamamelidaceae (Witchhazel)
A large shrub to small understory tree with an irregular to flattened crown. Twigs coming off primary branches have a noticeable zigzag pattern. Leaves are oval to obovate, pointed at the tip, bright green, and serrated. Flowers appear in fall or winter as the leaves dehisce and have curly, yellow, thin, ribbon-like petals. Seed capsules are small, round, and brown and forcefully eject ripe seeds up to 25 feet. Fall color is a marvelous apricot-orange.
8-20’ tall
Small understory tree, typically crooked and multi-trunked
Fast to moderate
Prefers partial shade, but performs in full sun
Witchhazel prefers partial shade to full shade but will tolerate more sun provided its roots are kept moist and ground temperatures are moderated by mulching. No pruning is required.
The largest asset is the unusual flower structure as well as a winter bloom time. In combination with other plants, it links the seasons to provide year-round interest. Its crooked, low, vase-shaped crown is also appealing.
Witchhazel looks right at home in a woodland setting, where its shape and flowers are noticeable in wintertime. It also performs well as a border, near the house where it may obtain some shade, at forest edges, or as a low-growing accent specimen for a native plant garden or a companion to larger trees in the front yard.
Dreamy Dusky Wing, Harvester. The Cuculiid moth pollinates Witchhazel at night. The seeds are eaten by Wild Turkey, Bobwhite Quail and Gray Squirrel. Ruffed Grouse also enjoy the buds and flowers. White- tailed deer occasionally browse upon this plant. Witchhazel often grows in dense thickets and provides cover for birds and small mammals.
Witchhazel is distributed widely across eastern North American woodlands. It prefers moist sites and partial shade, typically growing as an understory in mixed forests, bottomland, along forest edges and streams.
Seeds are difficult to collect; tying a bag or netting around the developing pods solves this problem. Seeds are difficult to germinate and require a warm-cold-warm stratification cycle which will take a long time, so don’t give up because the results are well-worth it! Witchhazel will seed naturally once established, however, and become care-free.
Text by Kevin Tarner, Georgia Wildlife Federation
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