Sad That Blooms Are Over? Look Again was originally published in the BFEC Newsletter, Vol. 18/No. 4, Fall 2014.
As fall progresses with shorter days and the number of blooming plants dwindles, a surprise awaits on the edge of forests. It is a small multi-stemmed tree, or large shrub, depending on your point of view. Once bare of its beautiful, yellow fall leaves, its small yellow flowers become even more noticeable. The petals look like delicate ribbons, but are actually tough as nails when it comes to the cold. Last year, they survived into December.
The blooms of common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) are a feast for the eyes after brilliant fall leaf color has passed and a long winter yawns in front of you. Look for it growing next to the front doors of the BFEC’s Resource Center, and also along the Kokosing Gap Trail about one mile west of the BFEC (towards Mt. Vernon).
It’s uses go beyond aesthetic — Native Americans used witch hazel extract to treat swelling, inflammation and tumors, and early settlers followed suit. It is still used widely in the United States as an astringent, and is being investigated for anti-tumor properties.
Have you decided that you need this plant in your home garden yet? If so, look for it at well-stocked nurseries (such as Oakland Nursery in Columbus). Nurseries also carry Asian varieties of witch hazel that bloom in very early spring, so if you want the native Ohio species, look for Hamamelis virginiana. This shrub will grow up to 15 feet tall and prefers sun to partial-shade and well-drained soil with medium moisture.