Hamamelis vernalis – Ozark Witch Hazel

General Information: This native sub-shrub is an interesting counterpart to the Eastern Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. Unlike these plant’s eastern relative,  Ozark Witch Hazel flowers in very early spring. Blossoms persist from January through April, depending on the climate they are grown in. The petals of each flower are a soothing yellow-orange, enclosed in a red calyx, and make for a beautiful visual during the drab winter months. During the summer, the large dense foliage of these plants can provide nesting sites for birds. In fall, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow-gold. The fruits, like Eastern Witch Hazel, mature in late fall and have the distinction of being one of the fastest plants known. Witch Hazel seed pods dry out in such a way that they shoot their seeds at an incredible speed of 30 feet per second! This plant, like Eastern Witch Hazel, has been used medicinally by Indigenous Peoples throughout the plant’s native range, and may be used as a substitute for Eastern Witch Hazel.

Cultivation Details: These plants are considered self-fertile. Only one is required to produce seed. Ozark Witch Hazel can spread via rhizome to form a colony. Plant this species in an area where there is room to spread! If spread is not desired, the plants are easily controlled by removing suckers as soon as they are observed. There are numerous cultivars of this plant, however we offer the native species. Consider pairing Ozark Witch Hazel with other plants from our “Shrubs,” “Medicinal,” or “Natives” categories. In habitat these plants are found on gravelly stream banks, however they can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. An excellent choice for erosion control, for filing in moist or low spots, in native plant gardens, rewilding, forest gardens, medicinal plant gardens, or as a specimen plant. These plants are notably Deer-resistant. The foliage is occasionally affected by insects such as Japanese Beetles and Gall Aphids and in poorly-ventilated areas they may experience Powdery Mildew. These issues are typically not detrimental to the plant’s well-being and can easily be remedied with DIY approaches. The main issue growers face is leaf scorch, which occurs when plants grown in full sun begin to dry out at the root. To limit the risk of leaf scorch in dry areas, apply a deep layer of organic mulch every few years.