Native Species Profile - Witch Hazel

While most wildflowers in Mid-Michigan are either done blooming or close to the end, one species has just begun to bloom and will continue to do so for another four to six weeks.  Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an understory shrub that reaches heights of 10 to 20 feet.  This species is found in deciduous and evergreen forests and savannas throughout the eastern United States and Canada.  In Michigan it is found throughout the Lower Peninsula, but is less common in the UP.

Witch Hazel flowers - note long, narrow petals

Witch Hazel flowers are yellow and have four narrow petals, four short sepals, four stamen, and a pair of pistils.  The petals measure about 3/4 inch long and are typically curved or twisted.  These flowers are one of the last nectar sources of the year and are pollinated by a number of insect species including moths, bees, flies, and wasps.  After pollination, the tree develops small brown seed pods that measure roughly 2/3 to 3/4 inch long.  These pods are roughly shaped like acorns and are divided into four sections.  These seed pods often remain on a tree for a year or more.

A wasp-mimic fly pollinating Witch Hazel flowers

Witch Hazel flowers - note four-part seed capsule at lower right of image

Witch hazel leaves are roughly oval, ovate (egg-shaped with a wider base than tip), or obovate (egg-shaped with a wider tip than base) in shape with wavy margins.  The leaves can measure up to five inches long and three inches wide.  They are arranged alternately on the plant's branches.

Oval-shaped leaves of Witch Hazel - note wavy margins of leaf.

Yellow fall leaves and flowers of Witch Hazel appear at approximately the same time.

Witch Hazel leaf - note obovate shape and wavy margins

While Witch Hazel can have a single trunk, it typically branches out right at ground level.  The branches are rarely straight.  Instead they undulate back and forth giving the Witch Hazel a wavy appearance.

A stand of Witch Hazel can be mistaken for no other species.

Undulating branches of Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a host plant for approximately twenty species of moths.  Most of the caterpillars are small and inconspicuous.  Exceptions to this are the caterpillars of the Pyreferra genus - these caterpillars are usually lemon yellow and white striped.

Pyreferra caterpillar on Witch Hazel leaf

Basic Information

Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana 

Height:  10-20'

Habitat:  deciduous and evergreen forests, oak and pine savannas

Flower Color:  yellow

Bloom Time:  late September - November