Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Witch hazel is an attractive fall-blooming, low-maintenance shrub that grows best in part shade and medium-wet, slightly acidic soils. The yellow flowers are one of the last to appear in fall and are fragrant. If that were not enough, it is also the host to 62 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). It is also the host plant to the Corylus dagger moth, a species of concern (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/).
Photo credit: Maria R (1), John Blair (2)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium-wet, Medium
Height: 15-20 feet
Plant Spacing: 8-10 feet
Bloom Time: Oct-November
Bloom Color: Yellow
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Bird Favorite, Great landscaping plant
Host Plant: Polyphemus moth and 62 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Corylus dagger moth Acronicta falcula (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/)
