Color:

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Shrub

Spidery yellow flowers on bare branches in winter. Fragrant. Blooms in coldest months. Medicinal plant. Unique ribbon-like petals. Symbol of inspiration and magic.

Bloom Season

Winter

Habitat

Temperate

Where to Buy

Find local florists carrying Witch Hazel

Where are you located?

Enter your location to see nearby florists

Perfect For

Wedding

Care & Vase Life

Stays fresh for 5 to 10 days

when properly cared for

Cut branches when flowers are fragrant

Smash woody stem ends

Can be forced indoors in late winter

The spicy fragrance fills a room

Woody branches - split ends

Fragrant

Lasts 7-10 days

Change water every 3 days

Fragrance Profile

Moderate

Spicy, warm fragrance with hints of citrus

Fun Facts

Blooms in late fall or winter when almost nothing else flowers

The witch in witch hazel comes from Old English wice meaning bendable

Witch hazel extract is used in skincare products worldwide

Forked branches were traditionally used for water dowsing

Origin & History

Native to North America and Asia

Native to North America and eastern Asia, witch hazel has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries. The bark and leaves produce an astringent extract still used in skincare today. Its remarkable ability to bloom in freezing weather, sometimes on snow-covered branches, makes it a winter garden treasure.