Hamamelis virginiana L. var. henryae Jenne ex C. Lane
Hamamelis macrophylla Pursh
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt.
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. parvifolia Nutt.
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. henryi Jenne
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Hamamelis virginiana L. Witch-hazel, American witchhazel, winterbloom, witch hazel
This variety of witch-hazel is native to eastern North America. "Witch-hazel" suggests a potion crafted by witches, but this is not the case at all. "Witch" derives from "wych-elm" (in turn from wican "to bend"); and "Hazel" derives from hæsel, meaning a bush of the pine family. The soothing lotion by the same name is derived from this plant, though. Identification: Plants are 9½-26' (3-8 m) tall, rarely up to 39' (12 m), usually somewhat irregular shrubs. Leaves are alternate, 1½-6" (4-16 cm) long × 1-4" (3-11 cm) broad, usually with wavy margins and coarse teeth. Witch-hazels have the unusual property that fruit, flowers and next year's leaf buds all appear on branches simultaneously. The flowers are unusual in shape and color, comprised of thin wrinkly strap-shaped petals each ⅜-¾" (1-2 cm) long, which may be pale- to dark-yellow, orange, or red. They are among the first flowers visible in the spring, appearing in the north while snow is still on the ground. The tan fruits are a two-part (sometimes three-part) capsule like partly fused ovals. Each capsule contains a black glossy seed up to ⅛" (5 mm) long. Seeds are ejected explosively over distances up to 33' (10 m). Medical: Witch-hazel extract, an aromatic alcoholic solution prepared from the macerated stems and leaves of this plant, is a mild astringent, tightening skin. Online References:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center The University of Connecticut Plant Database The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database The Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation The University of Florida Environmental Horticulture site
10/11/2011 · Pearl Hill State Park, Townsend, Massachusetts
10/19/2014 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hampshire
Spiny witch hazel galls, created by an aphid, Hamamelistes spinosus. · 7/17/2017 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
11/17/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
8/17/2013 · Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, Massachusetts
10/22/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
10/22/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
10/19/2014 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hampshire
10/22/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
7/14/2013 · Ball Hill Trail, Leominster State Forest, Leominster, Massachusetts
10/22/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
9/25/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts Hamamelis virginiana description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 7 Oct 2021.
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Spiny witch hazel gall, created by an aphid. · 10/11/2011 · Pearl Hill State Park, Townsend, Massachusetts
Spiny witch hazel gall, created by an aphid, Hamamelistes spinosus. That's probably one poking out near the base. · 7/17/2017 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
Young leaves are sometimes red. · 6/2/2014 · Big Bear Mountain, Brookline, Massachusetts
9/15/2012 · Mt. Wachusett, Princeton, Massachusetts
11/17/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
11/17/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
8/4/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
8/7/2009 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Massachusetts
10/5/2012 · Willard Brook State Park, Townsend, Massachusetts
9/25/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
9/15/2012 · Mt. Wachusett, Princeton, Massachusetts Range:
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ID is uncertain 
