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Common Witch Hazel Flower - Hamamelis virginiana

Common Witch Hazel – Late Fall Bloom

Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an underappreciated small tree.  It blends into the background most of the year until late Fall when in bloom.  How many other trees are in bloom in early December?

Common Witch Hazel Flower Closeup - Hamamelis virginiana
A closeup of Common Witch Hazel blooms. I took this picture on a cold and wet December morning with sleet on the ground from the previous night’s storm.

Where to Plant Common Witch Hazel

Don’t use Common Witch Hazel in your foundation planting.  It’s informal habit won’t work with modern homes.  If you live in a rustic log cabin nestled in the woods I say, “Go for it!”

Plant this large shrub on the edge of the woods where it can blend in most of the year and give late Fall interest.

Common Witch Hazel Tree - Hamamelis virginiana
I planted my Common Witch Hazel at the back of my shrub border. You don’t notice it until late November to early December.

For more information visit the Missouri Botanical Garden website.

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John Holden

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Comments

3 responses to “Common Witch Hazel – Late Fall Bloom”

  1. Mark Whelan Avatar
    Mark Whelan

    For those who have an informal garden I agree with you John. The flower and seed pod make it well worth while. I notice in your image that the plant is bare branched. For how many months of the year is it without leaves?

    1. John Holden Avatar
      John Holden

      The leaves drop off in November and return in April.

      1. Mark Whelan Avatar
        Mark Whelan

        4 months not too bad.