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WITCH-HAZEL. 

 Hamamelis virginiana, Linnaeus. 



FAMILY AND GENUS DESCRIPTION The Witch-hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, contains 

 about 16 genera with LO species of which number only 2 genera have tree representatives in 

 North America. The 2 genera are Hamamelis and Liquidambar. Bach genus is represented by 

 a single species, both native to Pennsylvania. The genus Hamamelis comprises 3 species, 2 

 of which are found in eastern Asia and 1 described here. 



FORM A small tree or shrub sometimes reaching a height of 25 ft. with a diameter of 14 

 inches, but usually smaller. Trunk short, bears numerous spreading, crooked branches which 

 form a broad open head. 



BARE About 1/5 of an inch thick, light brown, somewhat mottled with light blotches; when 

 young smooth, later scaly. Inner bark reddish-purple in color. Used for medicine, extract, 

 and gargles. 



TWIGS Zigzag, light brown, with small light green pith, rather slender, often downy or 

 scurfy especially near the end, sometimes smooth and shiny, covered with a few, scattered, 

 white lenticels. 



BUDS Alternate, 2-ranked, flattish, sometimes curved or falcate, covered with scale-like 

 undeveloped leaves bearing dense brown hairs. Terminal buds usually sickle-shaped, about 

 1-i of an inch long. Lateral buds few and very small. 



LEAVES Alternate, simple, oval, 4-6 inches long, rounded or sometimes acute at apex, 

 oblique at base, dentate on margin, dark green above, paler beneath; midrib and primary 

 veins prominent. 



LEAF-SCARS Alternate, 2-ranked, semi-circular in outline with a raised margin, and contain 

 3 single or often compound bundle-scars which are lighter in color than the dark brown surface 

 of the leaf-scar. 



FLOWERS Appear in October and November. Bright yellow, perfect, occur in small axillary 

 clusters, surrounded by a scale-like 3-leaved involucre. Buds which produce the flowers occur 

 in clusters of 3 on short stalks, are spherical in form, and start to develop about August in the 

 axils of the leaves. 



FRUIT Ripens in October and November at the same time that the blossoms appear. It 

 results from blossoms of the previous year, consists of a yellowish-brown woody pod with two 

 cells in which shiny black seeds are produced. The woody pods burst open when ripe, and 

 propel the seed for 5 or more feet. 



WOOD Diffuse-porous; rays not very distinct; little difference between spring and summer 

 wood; hard, close-grained, light brown. Weighs 42.5 Ibs. per cubic foot. Not used com- 

 mercially. 



DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Witch-hazel can be distinguished in winter by 

 its sickle-shaped, brown, terminal buds, its yellowish-brown fruit in the form of a woody pod 

 with two cells, its persistent remnants of the flowers on stalks and its white blotched or mottled 

 light brown bark. In late autumn the flowers with strap-like yellow petals are characteristic. 

 The alternate oval leaves with straight veins and oblique bases are also distinctive. It usually 

 frequents moist rocky locations. 



RANGE Nova Scotia and Ontario, south to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. 



DISTRIBUTION IN PENNSYLVANIA No doubt found in every county of the State. Reported 

 and observed in more than one-half of the counties, located in every part of the State. This 

 is the most common and widely distributed small tree or shrub in Pennsylvania. 



HABITAT Usually found in moist rocky situations. Common along streams, in swamps, and 

 on the borders of ponds and lakes. Occasionally ascends slopes to rather dry locations. Tolerant 

 of shade, hence ofteu found in the understory f the forest. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIES This species is of no commercial importance because it 

 remains too small and produces inferior wood. No records are available which show that a 

 single board, foot has ever been on the market. It is, however, a very interesting small tree 

 because it holds a unique position in that it blossoms late in autumn when many other trees 

 have shed their leaves and are prepared for winter. It may be protected in situations where it 

 does not interfere with the growth or utilization of more valuable species. No special efforts 

 are necessary to insure an abundant future supply. 



