Looking for a Small Tree to Make a Big Statement in your Garden?

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis) is a fascinating but small, shrub-like tree that can do well on the North Fork. We were lucky enough to have someone contribute one to our yard. Over the years it has grown toward its ultimate height of 8-12 feet and it is almost that wide. The official name means "together with fruit"---because the fruit, flowers and even next year's leaf buds all appear on the branch at the same time. That’s a rarity among trees. 

All I can say is, the results are spectacular. Early spring every year the branches hang heavy with bright yellow waterfalls of furry, segmented growth. Prowling around online, I discovered that the 'witch' in the tree’s name comes from the old English for 'bendable'. Witch-hazel’s branches were used historically by pioneers to make divining rods for detecting hidden caches of underground water. Bark and leaves of the tree are still used for medicinal purposes.  

One thing is certain, the tree's spring display hangs on and on.  In summer, its graceful shape and attractive leaves make it a worthy addition to any yard, garden or flower bed. As its leaves turn in fall, witch-hazel becomes a mound of rust-tinged gold.