American Witchhazel
Hamamelis virginiana
What a unique small tree is the American witchhazel. Its blooms appear during autumn, lighting up otherwise dreary days. They are uniquely beautiful, appearing as spidery and twisted yellow ribbons. Why would a tree produce flowers in fall when most pollinators are absent? It’s thought that they’re taking advantage of having less competition for the pollinating moths that are still around on warmer fall days.
The American witchhazel is the only tree of its genus native to Maryland. It’s a hardy tree that typically reaches a height of only 10-20 feet. It frequently has multiple small trunks which are often bending, and seldom straight.
American witchhazel is widely known for its medicinal properties. Compounds made from its leaves and bark can be used topically to treat swelling and inflammation, insect bites and poison ivy. It was, and is still used, by Indigenous Americans for medicinal purposes.
This tree ID sign is sponsored by the Baltimore County Forestry Board,
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