Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Witch Hazel


Witch Hazel is one of the few plants that I know of that blooms in the fall. Saffron crocus being the other that I am aware of.

I have discovered a lot of Witch Hazel shrubs blooming all over the property of my new home, and have become fascinated with it! This is a photo I took of the little yellow flowers.


I have been wondering if it was named "witch" because it blooms in October - the season of the witch...

But no, that is not the word origin for the name. I refer you to this excellent synopsis by Steven Foster that nicely summarizes medicinal uses, history and botany of the plant.