Witchhazel, Common, Bare Root

Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Common Witchhazel is a remarkable native shrub known for its late-fall blooms, unique twisted petals, and subtle fragrance that adds beauty to the landscape when most other plants are dormant. Its bright yellow, ribbon-like flowers bloom in late autumn, sometimes persisting into winter, providing essential late-season nectar for pollinators. With attractive, scalloped green leaves that turn yellow in fall, Common Witchhazel is well-suited for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas, bringing multi-season interest and ecological benefits.

Key Characteristics

• Late-Fall Blooms: Common Witchhazel’s delicate yellow flowers appear in late fall, often after leaves have dropped, creating a striking display against bare branches. These fragrant flowers attract late-season pollinators, offering one of the last sources of nectar before winter.

• Brilliant Fall Foliage: In autumn, the broad, scalloped leaves turn a warm golden yellow, adding color to woodland settings and shade gardens. The contrast between the fall foliage and yellow blooms enhances its seasonal appeal.

• Wildlife Support and Pollinator Habitat: Common Witchhazel’s late-season blooms provide food for pollinators when other resources are scarce. Its dense branching also offers shelter for birds and small wildlife, adding habitat value to native plant gardens.

• Shade Tolerant and Adaptable: This shrub thrives in part shade to full shade and adapts well to various soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy soils. Its natural habitat includes forest understories, making it an ideal choice for shaded landscapes and woodland edges.

• Low Maintenance and Deer Resistant: Known for its resilience, Common Witchhazel requires little care once established and is generally deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition to low-light areas and naturalized plantings.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
• Sun Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates loamy, clay, and sandy soils
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Late fall
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• Fall Color: Golden yellow
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Common Witchhazel’s vibrant fall blooms, adaptability, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for shade gardens, woodland edges, and naturalized areas, adding color and ecological value to late-season landscapes.