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American Witch-Hazel

American Witch-Hazel

American Witch-Hazel

(Common Witch-Hazel)

Hamamelis Virginiana

A small tree or large shrub present in the understory and along woodland edges of north-eastern forests including New Brunswick. Lovely, bright green, oval leaves with wavy margins remain on the twigs into the winter after turning yellow. Unique for its yellow, strap-like petalled flowers emerging in October providing a valuable late source of nectar for insects. Seeds mature the following year. The source of witch-hazel often used in cosmetics.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America

Height

Small (under 30ft)

Width

Narrow

Form

Irregular, Multi Stemmed, Round

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Short (under 50 years)

Hardiness Zones *

3, 4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Mostly Shade (slow growth), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Slightly Alkaline

Other Tolerances

Road Salt

Ornamental Interest

Flowers (fragrant), Flowers (attractive)

Wildlife Value

Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Insect Pollinators (flowers)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Drought

*Useful Links

Hardiness Zones – Canada’s Hardiness Zones

Soil Preferences – Multi-Purpose Soil Tester