Categories: Hamamelidaceae

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Sp. Pl.: 124 (1753))

Family: Hamamelidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 124 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hamamelis

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A. and NE. Mexico

Description

Witch-hazel, known scientifically as Hamamelis virginiana, is a fascinating plant native to eastern Canada, the central and eastern United States, and northeastern Mexico. This deciduous shrub, belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family, has been admired for centuries not only for its unique aesthetic but also for its medicinal properties.

The plant was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.” Witch-hazel showcases its natural beauty with its distinctive, crinkled, yellow to orange flowers that bloom in the fall, often bringing vibrant color to landscapes when most other plants have ended their flowering season. The petals of the flowers are ribbon-like, which unfurl in cooler temperatures and curl up in warmer weather, making them quite adaptive to climatic conditions.

Witch-hazel typically grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet. It thrives in well-drained soils and can be commonly found in the understory of forests or along streams, where it can make the most of both shaded and partially sunny conditions. The plant’s leaves are oval or oblong with wavy edges, and they turn a striking yellow in the autumn, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

In addition to its horticultural charm, witch-hazel has a long history of medicinal use. The bark and leaves of the plant have been traditionally utilized by indigenous peoples and later by European settlers for their astringent properties. Witch-hazel extract, which is distilled from the bark, has become a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, commonly employed to treat minor skin irritations, insect bites, and swelling.

The plant’s resilience and multipurpose utility make it a cherished addition to gardens and a valuable component in natural remedies. Its ability to thrive in various environments and its significant place in botanical and medical history underline the continuing importance of Hamamelis virginiana.

Common Names

Eng: american witchhazel, witch-hazel, witchhazel, american witch-hazel, american witchhzel, common witch-hazel, common witchhzel, northern witch-hazel, snapping hazelnut, spotted alder, striped alder, water-witch, winterbloom
Swe: amerikansk trollhassel
Fra: café du diable, hamémelis, hamamélis de virginie, hamamélis de la virginie
Nld: amerikaanse toverhazelaar
En: Witch-hazel, American witchhazel, American Witch-Hazel, WITCHHAZEL, American Witchhzel, Common Witchhzel, Snapping Hazelnut, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Water-Witch, Winterbloom, Common witch-hazel, Northern witch-hazel, Witch Hazel
Ar: مشتركة فرجينية
Be: Гамамеліс віргінскі
Zh: 北美金縷梅, 北美金缕梅
Cs: Vilín virginský
Da: Virginsk Troldnød
Nl: Amerikaanse toverhazelaar
Eo: Virginia hamamelido
Et: Virgiinia nõiapuu
Fi: Amerikantaikapähkinä
Fr: Café du diable, Hamémelis, Hamamélis de Virginie, Hamamélis de la Virginie, Noisetier de sorcière
De: Virginische Zaubernuss, Zaubernuß
Hu: Nagylevelű csodamogyoró
It: Amamelide americana
Mk: Хамамелис
No: Virginiatrollhassel
Pl: Oczar wirginijski
Pt-br: Hamamélis
Ru: Гамамелис вирджинский
Es: Hamamelis
Sv: Amerikansk trollhassel
Zh-hant: 北美金縷梅

Synonyms

Trilopus virginiana ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

Alabama (native)
Arkansas (native)
Connecticut (native)
Delaware (native)
District of Columbia (native)
Florida (native)
Georgia (native)
Illinois (native)
Indiana (native)
Iowa (native)
Kentucky (native)
Louisiana (native)
Maine (native)
Maryland (native)
Masachusettes (native)
Mexico Northeast (native)
Michigan (native)
Minnesota (native)
Mississippi (native)
Missouri (native)
New Brunswick (native)
New Hampshire (native)
New Jersey (native)
New York (native)
North Carolina (native)
Nova Scotia (native)
Ohio (native)
Oklahoma (native)
Ontario (native)
Pennsylvania (native)
Québec (native)
Rhode I. (native)
South Carolina (native)
Tennessee (native)
Texas (native)
Vermont (native)
Virginia (native)
West Virginia (native)
Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 17, 2020 by Sole Bassett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2017 by ci_ceronix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by rob van keulen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2018 by Dan Hutton (cc-by-sa)