Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
[ham-ah-MAY-lis ver-jin-ee-AY-nah]

Deciduous Perennial Upright, Multi-Stemmed Shrub in the Hamamelidaceae Family
A native understory shrub that blooms bright yellow in October and November, when almost nothing else is flowering — and shoots last year's seeds up to 30 feet at the very same time.

Hamamelis virginiana, common witch hazel, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed native shrub (occasionally a small tree) found in the understory of eastern North American woodlands — the most widely distributed species in its genus. It's best known for a trait almost no other landscape plant shares: it blooms in late fall, its ribbon-like yellow flowers opening from October into December, often after the leaves have dropped.

Even more unusual, this year's flowers and last year's seed capsules mature at the same time. Mature capsules split explosively, flinging their shiny black seeds up to 30 feet from the parent plant — a genuine only-in-October phenomenon for anyone who plants one.

Pros

  • Blooms October to December, when almost nothing else is flowering
  • Deer-resistant and low-maintenance once established
  • Tolerates everything from full shade to full sun, plus heavy clay soil
  • Supports night-flying moths, native bees, and dozens of caterpillar species

Cons

  • Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil — struggles through drought
  • Suckers from the base and may need occasional removal to control spread
  • Large at maturity (15–20 ft) — needs room to fill in
  • Subtle flowers can go unnoticed unless planted where they're visible in late fall
Why Like As one of the very last native plants to bloom each year, common witch hazel is a critical late-season nectar source for the small number of insects still active in October and November — including winter-flying owlet moths that can shiver to warm their flight muscles in near-freezing temperatures. It hosts dozens of caterpillar species, and its seeds are eaten by wild turkeys, squirrels, and other wildlife. It also has a long history of human use: Native Americans and early settlers made medicinal decoctions from its bark and leaves, and it's still the source of the astringent witch hazel extract sold commercially today.
Highlights Blooms later than almost any other landscape plant — spidery yellow flowers open from October into December, often overlapping with bright yellow fall foliage. Its explosively dehiscent seed capsules split open the same season, flinging seeds up to 30 feet.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 15 - 20 feet tall. 15 - 20 feet wide.
Growth Rate Moderate
Sun Exposure Full Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Prefers consistently moist conditions; intolerant of prolonged drought.
Zones 3a - 8b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Fall Color, Full Shade, Full Sun, Good for Rain Garden, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Small Tree, Wet Site Tolerant
Bloom Period October to December
Flower Color Yellow, Sometimes Red-Tinged at the Base
Foliage Color Green
 

Most Popular Plants
 

Plant Club Content
 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

Burning Bush, Japanese pachysandra, Yew
 
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

Click a label to toggle visibility for that size

Past Availability
2025 : 07/13 - 10/04
2024 : 05/01 - 09/15
2023 : 04/13 - 09/10


© North Shore Plant Club 2026. Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

  • The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
  • More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
  • "No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?
Login
No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!