Ozark witch hazel
(Hamamelis vernalis)

—Contributed by Allison Joyce (EarthWays Center of the Missouri Botanical Garden)

Hamamelis vernalis goes by the common name of ‘Ozark witch hazel’ for its native range.
A member of the Hamamelidaceae plant family, this deciduous shrub will reach a
Mature size of 6–10′ wide by 8–15′ tall in a sunny, well-draining corner of your garden.
A welcome sight in winter, the flowers are deep red to yellow with four petals and stamens.
Margins of the oval-shaped leaves have shallow lobes. Watch the ripe seeds of H. vernalis
Explode and fly through the air, up to 30 feet away from the parent plant!
Lonely plants can still reproduce themselves through the spread of their stoloniferous roots.
In cultivation, you will want to remove these unless you want to start an H. vernalis colony.
Sympatric speciation separates H. vernalis from H. virginiana despite overlapping ranges.

Vernalis is Latin for “spring-blooming”, as opposed to the fall-blooming H. virginiana.
Essential oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of H. vernalis is known as witch hazel.
Reputed sources explain the name of witch hazel by the historical use of the twigs as
Navigation tools for finding underground wells, a process known as “water witching.”
American indigenous people use this medicinal plant both internally and topically.
Late winter blooms make H. vernalis a harbinger of spring for people and pollinators alike.
In cold weather, the strappy petals curl up to protect reproductive organs from frost. The
Strong fragrance emitted by the bark is sometimes described as similar to sasparilla.

• Trumpeter swans are returning to St. Louis. Here’s where you can see them.
• How St. Louis scientists are hunting for the next generation of tick-borne viruses
• MDC says autumn is a good time to remove invasive bush honeysuckle
• MDC Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: 5 scenic overlooks in central, northeast Missouri

Good news: You don't need to rake your leaves.
by Marina Pitofsky – USA TODAY

We are seeing leaves turn beautiful fall colors and watch them fall to the ground. Many people are starting to make to do lists to prepare their home for the holidays, including yard work. This autumn, consider skipping the raking! The leaf litter acts as natural (and free!!) compost for trees and shrubs, as well as providing valuable habitat for many insects, which are a primary source of nutrition for birds in the winter.

“We each have an opportunity to take this personal action and think about how our own little piece of the earth, our own yards or our own gardens in our neighborhoods or communities, are all opportunities for us to do something good for nature,” Mizejewski said.

Read more