Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Hamamelis vernalis

Vernal Witchhazel

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Hamamelis vernalis (Vernal Witchhazel)

From late winter into early spring, this unique native shrub blooms when little else is flowering. The fragrant flowers, which can persist for three to four weeks, are clustered or solitary. Flowers are yellow to dark red in color and have four strip-like petals that are ¼" to ½" long. As an adaptive mechanism, the petals curl up on cold days. In fall, a hard, woody fruit capsule ½" long splits down a 2-parted tip and seeds are forced out or shot out to a distance of 30 feet! Ruffed grouse and turkey eat the seeds and flowers. Witch Hazel extract comes from the leaves, bark and twigs.

Additional Information:


Height
6-10 Feet

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Spread
6-8 Feet

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Yellow


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata), Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW

Season of Interest

Early (Feb-Apr)
Winter (Nov-Mar)

Soil Moisture

Average
High
Moderate

Special Uses

Fragrant
Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Cover
Food/Birds