witch-hazel

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

8-25 ft. tall

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed requires double stratification; warm stratification for 60 days followed by cold, moist stratification for 90 days.

Plants/Diseases

No serious disease or insect issues. Occasionally insect galls appear on foliage, but do not affect the overall health of the plant. Watch for Japanese beetles. Powdery mildew or leaf spots may appear on the leaves.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate. Leaf blade broad-elliptic to nearly rounded with dentate margins. Leaf base strongly oblique. Approximately 3-6 inches long.

Flowers

Yellow spidery looking flowers with 4-5 petals, approximately 1 inch wide.

Fruit

Capsules with two black seeds.

Bark

Young stems zig-zag.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Ethnobotanical Use

Witch hazel extract has long been used medicinally as an astringent.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Dry woodland slopes, moist woods, bluffs, and high hammocks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina