Vernal or Ozark witch hazels, although native to the Ozark Plateau, are a welcome harbinger of spring. ‘Purple Ribbons’ is a medium-sized shrub or small tree with a round habit. Leaves are initially light green changing to a dark green then to yellow-orange in the fall. The flowers are small, fragrant thread-like lavender-purple petals that emerge from a dull red calyx. Each flower has four petals growing in tight clusters of three or four. As the leaves develop the flowers fade, followed by inconspicuous woody seed capsules. These shrubs need to be pruned after flowering in the spring to control shape and size.