Highlights
Native witch-hazels are stunning native shrubs/small trees that flower at strange times: either the end of fall or the dead of winter, depending on the species. The leaves are also beautiful, turning buttery shades of yellow in the fall. Easy to grow, witch-hazels prefer part-sun spots and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Plant one (or a few) in a spot that allows you to enjoy their blooms from the comfort of indoors during colder months.
Dig Deeper
Explore the history, types, and where to plant native witch-hazel
Table of Contents
If you’re a beginner gardener looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and easy to grow, native witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a great choice. This native shrub has a lot to offer in terms of looks, and it can thrive without requiring too much fuss.
In this article, we’ll walk through the four seasons of native witch-hazel, learn how to plant it, and understand some common challenges.
Why is it called witch-hazel?
This native plant has nothing to do with witches, witchcraft, or Halloween, and it’s not related to hazel trees, either. This plant’s common name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word wych, which means bendable branch.
These bendable branches were used by early settlers and possibly Native Americans to help detect groundwater and help find spots to dig wells (this type of early stick-finding-water trick is called ‘dowsing’.)
The second part of its name—hazel—comes from its leaves, which look similar to hazelnut tree leaves.
You can tell a lot about the history and beliefs of early European settlers from native plant common names: Pawpaw trees, Joe Pye Weed, and Black-Eyed Susan are other strange common names for beautiful native plants.
Native witch-hazel vs. non-native witch-hazel
Witch-hazel shrubs are found all over the world, mostly in North America and Asia. All witch-hazels are in the Hamamelis genus.
Non-native witch-hazels
If you’re looking to plant native, you may need to pay attention to the Latin plant names when you’re buying witch-hazel. Stay away from:
- Hamamelis japonica: native to Japan
- Hamamelis mollis: native to China
Native North American witch-hazels
There are three witch-hazel species native to North America:
- Eastern Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
- Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
- Big-leaf Witch-hazel (Hamamelis ovalis)
Big-leaf Witch-hazel is an extraordinary plant—it was just discovered in 2004! It has a tiny native range nestled alongside a creek in Mississippi and it’s not available in nurseries (yet.)
Because of the Big-leaf’s tiny range, we’re going to focus on the two other native witch-hazel species, which have huge native ranges and are commonly found in plant nurseries. See below to meet them both:
Native witch-hazels
Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel
Hamamelis vernalis
- Blooms in winter (Jan/Feb)
- Yellow-red flowers
- Leaves turn reddish/orange
- Not as tall: 10 feet
- Native to the Midwest from Missouri to Arkansas, and east to Oklahoma
Eastern Witch-hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
- Blooms in late fall (Oct/Nov)
- Yellow flowers
- Leaves turn yellow
- Gets tall: up to 20 feet
- Huge native range from Quebec east to Minnesota and south to Florida
When do native witch-hazels bloom?
Native Witch-hazel bloom time depends on the species.
- Eastern Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blooms in the late fall (Oct/Nov)
- Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) blooms in the late winter (Jan/Feb).
How do I know which one I’m planting?
To ensure you’re planting the native witch-hazel you want, make sure the name on the label matches the Latin name.
Witch-hazel cultivars
There are many Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel cultivars—or plants that have been curated by humans (here is a short cultivar overview.) These witch-hazel cultivars offer different leaf and flower colors. (Strangely, according to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, no cultivars for the Eastern Witch-hazel exist, as of yet!)
The Plant Native strongly encourages planting true native plants over cultivars. That said, a native cultivar (sometimes called ‘nativar‘) is always better than a non-native plant. Some Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel cultivars you may encounter include:
- Hamamelis vernalis ‘Amethyst’ has purple flowers in the winter
- Hamamelis vernalis ‘Autumn Embers’ has stunning fall color in the leaves
Native vs. Cultivar
Plant true native plants whenever possible. Cultivars (short for CULTivated VARieties) are selected and made by humans and do not offer the same benefits to bugs, birds, and animals that native plants do.
Witch-hazel’s healing properties
No doubt you’ve seen witch-hazel remedies in drug stores or beauty aisles. Witch-hazel has been known and used for its healing properties by Native Americans for thousands of years.
According to Marjorie Harris’s excellent Botanica North America, “The Osage used the bark to treat sores and ulcers of the skin much as we do today. The Potawatomi and Menominee used the twigs, either placed on hot rocks in a sweat lodge or boiled in water, to soothe aching muscles. The Mohegan used a decoction of the leaves for cuts, bruises, and insect bites.”
Witch-hazel helped start an American beauty icon: Ponds
Back in the 1840s, a man named Theron T. Pond from Utica, New York, began making tea from witch-hazel bark, called it “Pond’s Extract,” and marketed it as a salve for dozens of ailments. The business he started with that first witch-hazel product is still around today: Pond’s.
Witch-hazel throughout the seasons
Witch-hazel changes dramatically throughout the seasons, always giving something to enjoy.
This type of seasonal change is always a welcome sight, especially compared to boring non-native evergreen shrubs that normally fill landscapes, like boxwoods or yews.
Summer
In the summer, both Witch-hazel species fill their branches with leaves, providing shade.
Fall
In the fall, Ozark or Spring Witch-hazels leaves turn yellow before falling. Their sculptural branches look amazing even without leaves, and provide the perfect canvas for their flowers in the late winter.
Late fall/early winter
In the late fall, Eastern Witch-hazels blossom with yellow flowers alongside buttery yellow leaves. Their flowers smell amazing.
Witch-hazel is a host plant for dozens of butterflies and moths
Native witch-hazels are host plants to 69+ species of butterflies and moths. Without witch-hazels, these native animals would not survive.
What is a host plant?
A host plant is a specific plant that a bug, butterfly, or caterpillar eats, lives on, or lays its eggs on.
Where to plant witch-hazel
Witch-hazel is a plant you want to see in the fall or winter when almost everything in the garden is brown and dormant. Plant them where you can see them while inside your house.
Planting tips for Eastern Witch-hazel
There are so many great plants to pair with witch-hazel, two favorites are:
- Aster. Asters bloom in the fall in blue or white, a perfect pairing with Eastern Witch-hazel’s yellow leaves.
- Alumroot. Alumroot is a mostly evergreen, short native flower that likes shade and flowers in the early spring.
- Both of these plants are perennials, so plant once and enjoy for years to come.
Planting tips for Ozark or Spring Witch-hazel
Carolyn Harstad, in her excellent book “Go Native,” also offers some helpful advice for Ozark Witch-Hazel pairings:
“Plant H. vernalis where you can enjoy viewing it from inside your warm, cozy house, and give it an underpinning of spring-flowering crocus and daffodils for a spring ‘pick-me-up.”
Thank you Carolyn for such a stellar recommendation, perfect for the drab days of early spring!
Where can I find native witch-hazel to plant?
Sadly, finding specific native plants can sometimes be challenging. Not many conventional plant nurseries stock a wide range of native plants.
To help you find the witch-hazel of your dreams, here are four plant sourcing ideas:
Where can I find seeds and plants?
Finding native plants can be challenging (we partly blame Marie Antoinette.) To make it easier, we’ve assembled four sourcing ideas.
Native Plant Nurseries
Our list of native nurseries makes finding one a breeze
Online Native Plant Sellers
We've included 100+ online resources to help
Society Plant Sales
Every state has a native plant society; find yours
Online Communities
Local Facebook groups are a great plant source
What to plant with witch-hazel
There are so many native flowers, shrubs, and trees that look stellar next to witch-hazel. To keep the blooming going, pair with native Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, and Ninebark, alongside Redbud, Sweetbay Magnolia, and Winterberry. You’ll have something to enjoy all year long.
Native witch-hazel is a fantastic addition to any garden, delivering year-round beauty with minimal effort. Whether it’s the memorable spring flowers, the vibrant fall foliage, or the elegant winter structure, this shrub offers something every season. By understanding its simple planting needs, you can easily enjoy the wonders of native Witch-hazel for decades. Explore our plant library to find more native favorites. Happy planting!
Sources
- Harris, Marjorie. Botanica North America. (2010), 62-63.
- Harstad, Carolyn. Go Native! Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest. (1999), 70-71.
- Johnson, Lorraine. A Northerner’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators. (2023), 185.
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens: A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, (2010).
- USDA’s Plant of the Week: Witch Hazel.