When does witch-hazel bloom?

Hamamelis virginiana typically flowers in October and November, later than most other shrubs, with small yellow flowers that have thin, ribbon-like petals.

What pollinates witch-hazel?

Bees and moths visit witch-hazel flowers for nectar during its fall bloom, a time when few other nectar sources are available.

What light and water conditions does witch-hazel need?

It does best in part shade with medium moisture, though it can tolerate wetter soils near streams or drier spots once it is established.

Is witch-hazel evergreen?

No, it is deciduous. Its leaves turn yellow and drop in autumn, sometimes shortly before or during its flowering period.

Is Witch-hazel toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Witch-hazel as toxic to livestock.

Is Witch-hazel HOA-friendly?

Witch-hazel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Witch-hazel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hamamelis virginiana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Witch-hazel is a deciduous shrub that flowers in October and November, producing fragrant yellow blooms after its leaves have dropped. It grows well in part shade with medium moisture, often in woodland understories and along stream banks.

Toxicity unknown

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Witch-hazel as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

120"–240" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

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Witch-hazel is a large native shrub that produces fragrant yellow flowers in late fall after the leaves drop. It grows slowly into a broad, open form and provides excellent wildlife habitat while tolerating shade well.

Growing Witch-hazel

Grow Witch-hazel in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Witch-hazel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very large mature size may overwhelm typical residential spaces
Open, irregular growth habit looks informal
Blooms on bare branches may appear odd to some

Wildlife value

Host plant for luna moth.

The late-season blooms provide crucial nectar for bees and moths when few other flowers are available. The shrub also supports various caterpillars and provides nesting sites for birds.

Common questions

When does witch-hazel bloom?: Hamamelis virginiana typically flowers in October and November, later than most other shrubs, with small yellow flowers that have thin, ribbon-like petals.
What pollinates witch-hazel?: Bees and moths visit witch-hazel flowers for nectar during its fall bloom, a time when few other nectar sources are available.
What light and water conditions does witch-hazel need?: It does best in part shade with medium moisture, though it can tolerate wetter soils near streams or drier spots once it is established.
Is witch-hazel evergreen?: No, it is deciduous. Its leaves turn yellow and drop in autumn, sometimes shortly before or during its flowering period.
Is Witch-hazel toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Witch-hazel as toxic to livestock.
Is Witch-hazel HOA-friendly?: Witch-hazel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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