Common Witchhazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Hamamelidaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Hamamelidaceae) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America from Canada to Georgia and west to Nebraska, reaching 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of about 16 feet. It blooms in fall (October to December), unusual among temperate woody plants, with fragrant yellow flowers bearing four crinkled strap-like petals. Fall foliage is yellow.
Common witch hazel grows in sun to part shade on wet-tolerant soils (pH 4.5 to 6.2) with moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 3a to 8b. Root weevil is the primary pest. The bark and leaves are the source of commercial witch hazel extract (astringent). The tannin content is hazardous in quantity: ingestion of approximately 1 gram causes vomiting and nausea. No cultivars are documented.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Common Witchhazel has passed 'leaf emergence' (1049 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 281 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 394 | '' |
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 910 | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 1049 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.