Plant of the Month - Archive
Witch-Hazel By Dave Dister
As autumn progresses and frosty mornings become a regular occurrence, most plants have concluded their blooming for the year. One notable exception to this natural process is the common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). This native shrub or small tree grows to 25 feet in height in the understory of dry to moist oak-hickory, aspen, or pine forests, and is tolerant of considerable shade. Its simple egg-shaped leaves, 4 to 6 inches long, have scalloped edges and occur alternately along twigs. Witch-hazel grows throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula, but is rare in the Upper Peninsula. Across the continent, the species occurs from Nova Scotia westward to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida.
While the last aster and goldenrod flowers begin to brown-out from freezing temperatures, witch-hazel shrubs are just starting to bloom. The flowers appear like small clusters of yellow confetti as the four petals are strap-like and twisted. Not surprisingly, the flowers are pollinated by cold-hardy insects. Blooming can begin in late September when the leaves are just starting to turn yellow, and can extend into November when the leaves have fallen and snow may cover the branches - quite a striking scene. Also at this time, last year's seed capsules are ripening to forcibly expel a pair of hard shiny black seeds as much as 15 to 20 feet. Nineteenth century schoolboys reportedly caused classroom disruptions by placing nearly ripe seed capsules in a classroom which, when fully dried, would naturally eject the seeds and cause faint "pinging" sounds upon striking walls and other objects.
Many folks are familiar with this plant's medicinal reputation and uses, as even today witch-hazel extracts are commercially available as skin tonics, lotions, and liniments. According to Earth Medicine Earth Foods (1972), witch-hazel was long utilized by Native Americans. For example, the Mohawks treated bruised eyes by applying a wash of steeped witch-hazel bark. By 1850, the American Medical Association listed the plant'as useful for treating piles, internal hemorrhages, and eye inflammations. The common name derives from its purported use by water diviners or "well witchers" to seek water from the forked branches, as well as the resemblance of the leaves to those of the hazelnut shrub.
Though not regarded as a significant wildlife food source, witch-hazel seeds are occasionally eaten by ruffed grouse and wild turkey, as well as small mammals, which find them while scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor. In any event, for those of us humans wanting to enjoy nature's late blooms into early winter, witch-hazel is hard to beat in the suburban landscape or natural setting.