Hamamelis virginiana L.

Eastern Witch-Hazel

© DETenaglia

Family - Hamamelidaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

© DETenaglia

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

	Flower.
© DETenaglia

	Calyx.
© DETenaglia

	Fruit.
© DETenaglia

Flowering - September - December.

Habitat - Rich woods on north facing slopes, wooded valleys along streams.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This species is fairly rare in Missouri, only being found in a few eastern Ozark counties. The plant is easy to ID in the field, especially while in flower, because of its unique leaves and distinct flowers. This is a shrubby tree that can have multiple stems from the base and can reach 4m tall.
Medicinally, this species is used widely. It was used by natives for many ailments ranging from colds to sore muscles. In modern medicine, products made from this species can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy.
Another species, H. vernalis Sarg., is more common in Missouri. It flowers in the early spring. In the wild H. vernalis grows in gavel bars along streams.

Photographs taken at Pilot Knob State Park, NC., 10-20-02.