Large Fothergilla Mountain Witchalder

Large fothergilla (Fothergilla major, Hamamelidaceae) is a slow-growing deciduous shrub native to the Allegheny Mountains from North Carolina to northern Alabama, reaching 6 to 10 feet tall (occasionally 12 feet). White, fragrant, bottlebrush-like flowers (2.5 to 5 centimeters) with showy stamens appear with emerging foliage in April to May. Blue-green to dark green oval leaves (5 to 10 centimeters) turn yellow, orange, and scarlet in fall.

Large fothergilla grows in full sun to part shade on acid, well-drained, moist soils high in organic matter with moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. Disease resistance is excellent, with only leaf spot documented. The cultivar 'Mount Airy' (5 to 6 feet, dark blue-green foliage, abundant flowers, yellow to orange fall color) is a hybrid selection considered one of the finest native shrubs for multi-season interest.