witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Family: Hamamelidaceae
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| Form:
This is a medium sized shrub, with a short trunk and spreading branches. |
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Leaves: Shape: base inequilateral Margin: sinuate to crenate Texture: pubescent below Variation: pinnate |
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| Bark:
silver-gray, smooth to lightly scaly |
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| Twigs and Buds:
Twigs are pubescent brown and slender. Buds are stalked and resemble a rabbits foot. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Yellow flowers are produced in the fall. The fruit is a ½ inch woody capsule containing 2 black seeds. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Aromatic, yellow flowers present in fall, aromatic foliage, persistent seed capsules. |
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| Range:
Florida to Maine west to east Texas an north to Minnesota. |
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| Silvics:
It is shade tolerant and grows on a variety of sites. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
Historically, branches were used for water-witching. Fruits are eaten by several species of game birds and white tailed deer. |
