Hamamelis vernalis

Common Names

Vernal Witch Hazel, Ozark Witch Hazel

Summary

Hamamelis vernalis, commonly called Vernal Witch Hazel (Ozark Witch Hazel), is a native deciduous shrub of the Hamamelidaceae that forms a multi-stem, rounded plant typically 6–10 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide, often spreading by suckers to create colonies, it flowers on leafless wood from January to March with four narrow strap-like petals ranging from yellow to orange-red, petals may curl on very cold days, and new growth can appear bronzy-purple before the leaves emerge, for cultivation, plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil, it tolerates clay soils if drainage is good and can handle a range of pH from acidic to neutral, hardy in USDA zones 4–8, it generally requires minimal pruning after flowering and can be propagated by seeds or rooted stem cuttings, it is commonly used as a specimen or group plant, in borders, hedges, screens, or woodland plantings, providing winter to early spring interest, deer resistant with low maintenance, though occasional pests or diseases such as powdery mildew may occur

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-10 feet

Spread

96-180 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, acidic to neutral pH, loamy or sandy texture

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

No specific ideal soil pH; Hamamelis vernalis tolerates acidic to alkaline soils.

Bloom Color

Yellow to orange

Bloom Time

Winter to Early Spring

Foliage Color

Green; foliage turns yellow in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

vigorous

Seasons of Interest

Winter, Spring, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts pollinators