Hamamelis – Spring Landscape Gold

H. vernalis blooms in spring with color and fragrance.

Nov 14, 2006

Hamamelis vernalis, a North American native, is a two-season landscape performer with fragrant yellow spring blooms and deep yellow autumn leaves.

Hamamelis vernalis, the second of the two Hamamelis (witch hazel) species which are native to the eastern United States and southern Canada, has somewhat different habitats and growth characteristics than the other species, Hamamelis virginiana. Information about H. virginiana can be found at Hamamelis - Autumn Landscape Gold. Both of these species merit more attention in planned landscapes, especially those that feature native plants.

H. vernalis, the vernal / spring or Ozark witch hazel, originated in Missouri, Louisiana, and Oklahoma and was cultivated as early as 1908. It is reliably hardy from plant hardiness zone 5 (possibly 4), southward into zone 7, but not quite as hardy as its North American cousin, H. virginiana. Vernal witch hazel grows best in consistently moist, gravel-based soil.

This witch hazel may grow as tall as 10 feet and is generally wider than tall. Its species name, vernalis, is a clue to its bloom period - springtime, any time from February to March depending upon the plant hardiness zone and microclimate of its location. Bloom time may extend up to four weeks depending upon the local weather.

Unfortunately, flowers of this American native are small, but fragrance may be strong, and though autumn leaf color is a little less reliable than in the other species, it is a strong yellow in zone 7. These shrubby trees also retain leaves as new flowers begin to bloom. Michael A. Dirr's book lists eight cultivars, more than other sources.

There is an evaluation from December 29, 1996 of Hamamelis cultivars in Athens, GA found on page 424 in Dirr's book that includes six of the eight vernalis cultivars. Except for 'Lombart's Weeping,' these cultivars are hard to find.

The Arboretum Kalmthout in the Belgian province of Antwerp is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the genus of Hamamelis. Excellent close-up photos of Hamamelis flowers are available at the Arboretum website. This site also contains much useful information for designing and using Hamamelis cultivars in planned landscapes.

Forest Farm, Ornamental and Useful Plants from Around the World is a online source with thousands of pictures and helpful information. However, the scientific names on the site and in Forest Farm's print catalog do not always agree with those of academic horticulturists.

You might also enjoy reading my other articles about using Hamamelis species and varieties in the landscape:

The copyright of the article Hamamelis – Spring Landscape Gold in Landscaping is owned by Georgene A. Bramlage. Permission to republish Hamamelis – Spring Landscape Gold in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.