Hamamelis....Winter Interest in the Garden

Michele Koskinen

Hamamelis "witchhazel" is a deciduous speciman tree or small shrub 10 to 15 feet tall and wide with a vase like shape and is native in the eastern and central part of the United States. Native Americans used the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis for medicinal purposes and are also used today as an astringent for acne and other skin applications.

The beauty of the hamamelis comes not in the spring or summer, but the fall and winter. The flowers are spiderlike bright yellow and have a light fragrance. They are often the only bit of color in a drab late fall and winter landscape. Many hybrids on the market are smaller, upright and narrow. The flowers run from the typical yellow to orange and red. If you are looking for winter interest this is a wonderful addition to your landscape.


Two gardens in the Philadelphia region with large collections of Hamamelis are Scott Arboreum (2011 Scott Arboretum Blog on Hamamelis) and Morris Arboreum.... Plant Collection.