Witch hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
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Pl. F44C — Hamamelis virginiana
Hamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginianaHamamelis virginiana
IOverview
Overview
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.2, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic conditions. Known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties, witch hazel is valued for both its yellow autumn foliage and its ability to produce seeds that are edible when roasted. Its light requirement ranges from full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate hardiness zones 3-8. This plant's distinctive feature includes its late-autumn flowering, which produces fragrant, yellowish flowers just as the leaves begin to change color, making it a unique sight in the fall landscape.
Quick answers
What is Witch hazel?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.2, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic conditions.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Witch hazel is a perennial tree or shrub that thrives in temperate regions with hardiness levels ranging from 3 to 8. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil, although it can tolerate some dryness. The plant grows well in light sandy soils and medium soils with a pH of 4.5-6.2. To propagate witch hazel, seeds can be used. It is also edible, with the seed being a notable part of its edible parts.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–6.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Witch hazel for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young witch hazel tree for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young witch hazel sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, light (sandy) to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the pH is between 4.5–6.2.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball. Place the sapling and fill around it, watering gently.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to help establish the roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain the tree's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting proper pruning are common pitfalls for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:CosmeticRootstockTanninLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec
VIIIGarden companions
6 pairs
Garden companions
6 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Siberian Yarrow
Achillea sibirica
Pollinator-friendly
Both plants attract pollinators, enhancing overall garden health.
✶ AI suggested
Saigon Cinnamon
Cinnamomum loureiroi
Pollinator-friendly
Witch hazel attracts pollinators to help Saigon Cinnamon flower and fruit.
✶ AI suggested
Guadalupe Palm
Brahea edulis
Pest repellent
Witch hazel deters pests, beneficial for the Guadalupe Palm.
✶ AI suggested
Cherry Birch
Betula lenta
Pest repellent
Witch hazel repels pests that may harm cherry birch.
✶ AI suggested
Muscadine Grape
Vitis rotundifolia
Pest repellent
Witch hazel deters pests, benefiting Muscadine Grape.
✶ AI suggested
Prickly Pear
Opuntia ficus-indica
Pollinator-friendly
Witch hazel attracts pollinators that help Prickly Pear.
✶ AI suggested
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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