This suckering deciduous shrub has an upright rounded crown of with mid green oval leaves that turn yellow during autumn. The yellow to orange spider-like fragrant flowers appear during late winter before the leaves and are followed by capsular fruit.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9

Hamamelis vernalis is naturally found in southern and central USA growing in woodlands and along watercourses in organic rich well-drained soils that are tending acidic with a pH 5.6-7.5. It prefers an open sunny to partially shaded position and is frost and drought tolerant.

Ozark Witch Hazel is grown for its flowers and colourful autumn foliage and is planted in shrub borders as a screen or as a specimen in small gardens. It is also suitable for watercourse plantings and establishes in 2 to 3 years and under cultivation normally only attains a height of 2m (6ft). It is suitable for coastal or inland regions. ID 1681

Hamamelis (ham-uh-MEE-lis) vernalis (ver-NAH-liss)

Hamamelidaceae (hama-mel-DAY-see-ee)