Witch hazel, also called magic nut or witch nut, is a plant in the Hamamelis family. This group has different types, with Virginia witch hazel being the most well-known. It's a popular plant for gardens and has useful medicinal qualities. People use witch hazel in gardening and for its health benefits.
This tree or shrub grows to about 2 to 9 meters tall. It has a wide crown with branches that point upward. Witch hazel grows in East Asia, eastern North America, and parts of the Caucasus. It is often found in mixed forests near rivers.
Virginia witch hazel has light gray bark. Its leaves are large, about 12 cm long and 9 cm wide. They are oval-shaped with jagged, pointed edges and are not symmetrical. Young leaves have rusty-brown hairs underneath.
Older leaves are smooth on the bottom. The leaves are dark green in spring and summer. In the fall, they turn yellow-green, then golden-yellow with a reddish color.
Witch hazel blooms from late September to December. Its fragrant flowers grow in groups of 2-5. The fruits are light brown, oval capsules, partly covered by a cup-like base.
Witch hazel needs soil that is rich and drains well. It grows best in a sunny, warm place protected from the wind. The best time to plant it is in March. Water it regularly to keep it healthy. In the spring, add horn shavings and compost to feed it.
Witch hazel can handle dry conditions and temperatures as low as -34°C. It needs protection in the winter to keep it from the cold.