vernal witch hazel

Vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is a fragrant shrub or small tree native to the lower Mississippi Valley. It is one of five species in the genus Hamamelis (family Hamamelidaceae), all of which are shrubs and small trees found in North America and Asia.12

Vernal witch hazel typically grows to about two meters tall and blooms in late winter or early spring with very small flowers. These flowers have four narrow, twisted, ribbon-like petals and are borne close to the branches. The plant also features deciduous, oval, toothed leaves with prominent veins. The common name "witch hazel" is derived from the use of its forked twigs for dowsing.21