American witch hazel (common witch hazel) Hamamelis virginiana
American witch hazel (common witch hazel) (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Hamamelidaceae family, native to Woodlands of eastern North America. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
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American witch hazel (common witch hazel) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woodlands of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is American witch hazel (common witch hazel) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the bark and leaf extract is used in astringent witch hazel lotions.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with American witch hazel (common witch hazel)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about American witch hazel (common witch hazel)
- How far apart should I plant American witch hazel (common witch hazel)?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does American witch hazel (common witch hazel) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does American witch hazel (common witch hazel) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is American witch hazel (common witch hazel)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does American witch hazel (common witch hazel) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is American witch hazel (common witch hazel) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the bark and leaf extract is used in astringent witch hazel lotions.
- What grows well with American witch hazel (common witch hazel)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for American witch hazel (common witch hazel). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- Spidery, fragrant yellow flowers with crinkled ribbon petals open in autumn, often as the leaves turn gold, the last flowers of the year for moths and late bees. The seed capsules explode a year later, shooting seeds several metres. Its forked twigs were used for water divining.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Chinese fringe flower Loropetalum chinense
- Hybrid witch hazel Hamamelis x intermedia
- Persian ironwood Parrotia persica
- Buttercup winter hazel (hyūgamizuki) Corylopsis pauciflora
- Chinese witch hazel Hamamelis mollis
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens