American witch hazel
Quick Summary
American witch hazel, or common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), is a shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It belongs to the genus Hamamelis, which includes five species known for their unique yellow flowers with ribbon-like petals that bloom in late fall or early spring, even on warm winter days.12
The plant has deciduous, oval, toothed leaves with prominent veins. The common name "witch hazel" is thought to derive from the use of its forked twigs for dowsing to find underground water. An astringent lotion, also called witch hazel, is made from its dried leaves, twigs, and bark.12
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