Hamamelis virginiana

Unlike nearly every other temperate shrub, American witch-hazel blooms in late autumn, typically from October through December, producing fragrant yellow flowers with narrow ribbon-like petals. This blooming occurs after the leaves have fallen, making it one of the few sources of floral color in the late-fall landscape.

Yes, commercial over-the-counter witch hazel astringents, such as those produced by Dickinson's and T.N. Dickinson, are distilled from the bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana. The U.S. Pharmacopeia has recognized preparations from this species as an official astringent since the nineteenth century.

Hamamelis virginiana typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height with a similar spread, developing into a large multi-stemmed shrub or small understory tree. It is native to woodland areas of the eastern United States and southern Canada and tolerates shade well.

Hamamelis virginiana bark and leaves contain tannins and volatile oils that produce the astringent properties found in commercial products, and traditional preparations were made by steeping or distilling the twigs and bark. However, modern commercial witch hazel distillates use a standardized alcohol-water distillation process that is difficult to replicate at home.