Erect shrub with broadly oval, obovate, or nearly rounded leaves, to 15cm long. Turning a magnificent yellow in autumn. It has clusters of large, sulphur-yellow flowers in mid-late winter. 4m high and wide. Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in full sun or partial shade in an open but not exposed site. Witch hazels also tolerate deep, humus rich soils over chalk. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Graft cultivars in late winter, or bud in late summer.

The bark and leaves are the source of witch hazel for bruises, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other skin conditions, although commercially H. virginiana is the usual source.

The following notes refer to the related species H. virginiana. Native American tribes used decoctions of the bark of Hamamelis virginiana to reduce swellings and bruises. Colonists took notice and it was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1860 onwards. It was also thought to have supernatural properties and the forked branches were used as divining rods in the search for water and gold. Distilled witch hazel is available for external use on bruises and sprains. The tincture is much stronger and should be used only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Witch hazel extract is a constituent of proprietary haemorrhoid ointments and other pharmaceutical preparations.

Hamame’lis- the Greek name for a plant with a pear-shaped fruit, possibly the medlar. mollis- 'soft', 'smooth'- refering to the leaves.

Native American tribes used decoctions of the bark of Hamamelis virginiana to reduce swellings and bruises. Colonists took notice and it was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1860 onwards. It was also thought to have supernatural properties and the forked branches were used as divining rods in the search for water and gold. Distilled witch hazel is available for external use on bruises and sprains. The tincture is much stronger and should be used only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Witch hazel extract is a constituent of proprietary haemorrhoid ointments and other pharmaceutical preparations.