SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hamamelis vernalis

COMMON NAME: vernal witch-hazel

FLOWERS: Yellow fragrant flowers from October to December.

(Photo from Benny Simpson, TAES-Dallas.)

LEAVES: Alternate with an inequilateral base. Crenate serrations. Will usually have small insect galls that look like "cone heads". Obovate and up to 4" in length.

GROWTH HABIT: Multi-trunked and 6' to 10' tall.

OTHER: Native to the south but hardy from zone 4 to 8. Likes full sun to shade and is drought tolerant. If found in the wild it will indicate a dry site. Leaves have yellow fall color. A member of the Hamamelidaceae family. Can be used in groupings or as an unclipped hedge. Is also used in planters.