Hamamelis virginiana

Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a native of woodlands in eastern and central North America, grows as an understory large shrub. In the home landscape, it can attain heights of 15 to 30 feet and has an oval-rounded shape. In mid- to late October, fragrant yellow flowers with four strap-like petals emerge from a reddish calyx. The flowers are often hidden by the bright yellow fall foliage. The relatively scanty fruit—relished by birds and squirrels—is a woody capsule containing two seeds. This underutilized ornamental native performs quite well in shady sites and is great for the naturalistic garden or a large shrub border. Common witch hazel is the last shrub to flower in fall.