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Ozark witch hazel

Hamamelis vernalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
Photo: (c) mayfly1963, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mayfly1963

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

72"–120" H × 96"–120" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

AR, MO, OK

Pollinators

winter bees, flies, gnats

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This witch hazel is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that produces spidery, fragrant yellow to red-orange flowers on bare branches in late winter, well before the leaves emerge. It naturally grows along rocky streambanks.

Wildlife value

The winter blooms are an important early nectar source for the few bees, flies, and gnats active in cold weather, filling a gap before spring flowers open.

Common questions

How much sun does Ozark witch hazel need?
Ozark witch hazel grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Ozark witch hazel bloom?
Ozark witch hazel blooms in January, February, and March.
Where is Ozark witch hazel native?
Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is native to AR, MO, OK, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Ozark witch hazel attract?
Ozark witch hazel draws winter bees, flies, and gnats.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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