Hamamelis vernalis Sarg.

Ozark witchhazel, vernal witchhazel

Vernal witchhazel is native to the Ozark Plateau in central North America. The genus Hamamelis means “hooked fruit,” referring to the hooklike appearance of the dried seed capsules.

Plants: Rounded shrubs that are typically about 8′ (2.4 m) around, sometimes becoming much larger.

Leaves: Wrinkly, medium- to dark-green, oval, about 2–5″ (5–12 cm) long and half as wide, with prominent veins. In the fall, leaves are chartreuse or golden-yellow.

Flowers: Fragrant, about ½″ (1.3 cm) long, with four wavy narrow petals that are bright yellow to dull- or red-orange, with red centers. Flowers appear in January to April, well ahead of leaves.

Fruits: A dehiscent capsule ¼–⅝″ (9–16 mm) long that splits in September to October, releasing 2 seeds per fruit. When dried seeds pop open, they can propel seeds 30′ (9.1 m) or more.

Habitats: Rocky streambanks and bases of wooded slopes.

Medical: Witch hazel extract is sometimes used as a topical lotion for hemorrhoids and acne.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Hamamelis vernalis description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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