Hamamelis vernalis
Details
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Tried and True Recommended by 7 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: Ozark witch hazel
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Southern and central United States
Garden Location: Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Spread: 8 to 15 feet
Bloom Time: January to April
Bloom Color: Red, Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellow with red inner calyx
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Rain Garden

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best flowering in full sun. Prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils. Tolerates heavy clay soils. Promptly remove suckers to prevent colonial spread. Prune in spring after flowering to control shape and size.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ozark witch hazel is a deciduous, winter-blooming, Missouri native shrub with a rounded habit which typically grows 6-10' tall (less frequently to 15') with a somewhat larger spread. Usually occurs in the wild in gravel or rocky stream beds or at the base of rocky slopes along streams. Noted for its extremely early (January to February-March) and lengthy (to 4 weeks) bloom period. Fragrant, globular flower clusters (to 3/4" wide) have variable coloration, but flowers most frequently have yellow petals and reddish inner calyxes. Ovate, dull green leaves (2-5") turn an attractive golden yellow in autumn. Extract obtained from the leaves, bark and stems was formerly used medicinally by native Americans for, inter alia, external treatment of sprains, bruises and inflammations.

Plant of Merit

This Missouri native deciduous shrub grows to 6–10 feet tall and is noted for its winter bloom of fragrant, frilly, stem-hugging flowers that are yellow tinged with red. Depending upon winter temperatures, flowers may appear as early as January and as late as March, lasting for up to four weeks. Flowers are quite interesting close up, providing bright color to otherwise drab winter landscapes. Oval light green leaves turn golden yellow in fall.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Occasional insect galls (small wasps) appear on foliage. Best winter hardiness of the late winter-flowering witch hazels.

Garden Uses

Shrub border, native plant or naturalized garden, woodland garden or screen/informal hedge. Good specimen value due to fragrant, late winter flowers and good fall color. Flowering stems can make an attractive winter bouquet.

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