The Corylus – Witch Hazel

Botanical Name

Meet the fascinating Hamamelis, better known as the mystical Witch Hazel. This enchanting shrub has captured the hearts of gardeners, nature enthusiasts and storytellers alike for centuries. But there’s more to this plant than its bewitching name—it’s an abundant source of beauty, lore and even healing properties.

Framed Image of Witch Hazel Hamamelis

A Plant with a Story – The History of Witch Hazel

Imagine stepping into ancient woodlands where the Witch Hazel’s crinkled yellow blooms light up the crisp winter air like fairy lanterns. This plant’s rich history spans continents and centuries, with its origins deeply rooted in North America. Indigenous peoples valued it for its medicinal magic, using its bark and leaves to treat a myriad of ailments.

Later, European settlers, captivated by the plant’s healing properties, embraced it as both a remedy and a symbol of winter resilience. Its name “witch hazel” is thought to come from the Old English word wice, meaning “pliant” or “bendable,” referring to the plant’s flexible branches which were often used as dousing rods to locate water.


When Does Witch Hazel Bloom?

While most plants lay dormant in the gloomier months, the Witch Hazel refuses to wait for spring’s arrival! This marvel of nature bursts into bloom between late autumn and early winter, often flowering through the chill of January and February. Can you picture its delicate, spidery ribbons of yellow, orange and red dancing in the frost?

Gardens come alive with the Witch Hazel’s unique beauty when little else dares to bloom. Its vivid flowers provide a welcome splash of colour against the backdrop of barren trees and snow-dusted soil.


Witch Hazel’s Benefits – A Gift of Nature

Think it’s just a pretty face? Think again! Witch Hazel is equally cherished for its practical uses.

  • Medicinal Properties: Renowned for its soothing effects, Witch Hazel extract is a staple in skincare. Its natural astringent qualities calm inflammation, refine pores and speed up recovery for minor skin irritations.
  • Wildlife Friendly: This shrub is a magnet for pollinators like bees, offering them nectar at a time when food sources are scarce.
  • Hardy Landscaping: Easy to care for, Witch Hazel adds structure and charm to any garden. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it perfect for even beginner gardeners.

It’s not just a plant—it’s an ally in both wellness and environmental harmony.


Tales and Folklore of the Witch Hazel

The Witch Hazel’s mystique doesn’t end with its name. Delve into folklore, and you’ll encounter housewives’ tales and poetic odes celebrating its charm.

  • Water Divination – As mentioned earlier, its flexible branches were used by dowsers to locate underground water—a skill that earned the plant its “witch” reputation, hinting at a touch of the mystical.
  • Healing Stories – It was once believed that carrying a sprig of Witch Hazel could ward off evil spirits and promote good health. Some even hung it near their doorways to invite luck into their homes.
  • Poetic Beauty – Many have waxed lyrical about this shrub’s resilience in frosty winters. A Native American poem beautifully describes it as “the fires of the forest,” a reference to its bright, spidery blossoms glowing like flames against the snow.

Known by Many Names

Witch Hazel might be its most popular moniker, but like all captivating things, it goes by many names! Here are some of its other aliases that you might come across:

  • Winter Bloom – Truly fitting for its seasonal flowering.
  • Snapping Hazelnut – Named for the satisfying pop of its seed pods when they burst.
  • Spotted Alder – Although unrelated to alder, its bark texture earned it this label.

Bring a Touch of Witch Hazel Magic to Your Garden

The Witch Hazel is truly a gardener’s delight—a plant with a rich story, striking blooms, environmental benefits, and an unmistakable charm. Imagine sipping a cup of tea on a cold winter’s morning, gazing into your garden where this spirited shrub defies the frost to put on its dazzling display.

Are you ready to bring this enchanting plant into your own outdoor space? Whether you’re planting a magical hedge or adding contrast to your winter garden, the Witch Hazel is a touch of nature’s poetry that no garden should be without.

Further Reading: Helping Wildlife This Winter, Beware of the Blooms Lurking in Your Garden, RHS – Witch hazel

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