Hamamelis virginiana Seeds | Witch Hazel
LATIN NAME: Hamamelis virginiana
COMMON NAME: Witch Hazel, Common Witch Hazel
Plant Profile
Hamamelis virginiana, better known as Witch Hazel, is a shrub in the witch-hazel family, native to eastern north America. Witch hazel is a neat, many-stemmed shrub of woodlands, and its fragrant, ribbon-like, yellow flowers of late autumn have made it one of the most curious and valued of the garden shrubs. Mature plants top out at about Five metres. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the witch-hazel family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Witch hazel has a real and distinguished place in the research. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Witch Hazel for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, witch hazel is a generous shrub of the garden. Its fragrant, ribbon-like, yellow flowers of late autumn feed late-flying insects, and its leafy, many-stemmed habit gives a fine cover and a shelter to birds of woodland garden. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Witch hazel bark and leaf yield the world’s classic astringent distillate, used for generations on skin irritations, bruises and veins; it remains official in pharmacopoeias, and the winter flowers are garden gold.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Witch Hazel under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Once established, Witch Hazel, Common Witch Hazel largely looks after itself. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Witch Hazel: