Hamamelis virginiana Autumn (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade
Flowering period: Autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 6m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Hamamelis virginiana is a variable deciduous small tree or large shrub with a spreading habit. The mid green leaves are elliptic with shallowly lobed margins, up to 15cm long and 12cm broad. Its leaves turn yellow before they fall in autumn. Its grey/ light brown bark is smooth. Its pale to bright yellow flowers are faintly fragrant and appear in clusters. Its petals are ribbon like and up to 2cm long. The fruit is a woody capsule which is up to 15mm long each containing two glossy black seed. Its roots may produce suckers which aids its spread.
Hamamelis virginiana Autumn Flower (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hamamelis virginiana, is commonly known as Common Witch Hazel or American Witch Hazel, is native to east USA. In its native habitat it grows on dry woodland slopes and moist woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hamamelis is derived from the Greek amamelis ‘a tree with pear like fruits’. Virginiana is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Virginia, USA’.
The landscape architect may find Hamamelis virginiana useful in dappled shade locations as a small tree with attractive flowers and autumn leaf color.
Ecologically, Hamamelis virginiana attracts members of the Lepidoptera family which includes butterflies and moths. Some birds find its seeds attractive.
Hamamelis virginiana Autumn Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hamamelis virginiana prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers neutral to acidic soils.
Hamamelis virginiana requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out in spring if required. Suckers may be removed as they appear.
