![]() ovalis (big-leaf witch-hazel), and two Asian relatives, H. vernalis (vernal or Ozark witch-hazel) and H. There are two other North American species, H. Witch-hazel ( Hamamelis) is the most well-known Hamamelidaceae genus among gardeners and includes the only native New England representative of the family- Hamamelis virginiana, the common witch-hazel. Whilst winter’s hand is yet heavy on the land the Witch-hazels boldly put forth their star-shaped yellow blossoms but the native Hamamelis vernalis is over-shadowed by its more brilliant Chinese and Japanese relatives. We begin with Hamamelis, the genus for which the family is named. This two-part article explores various historical, taxonomic, and horticultural facets of Hamamelidaceae taxa in the Arboretum’s collection. Given these attributes, perhaps no other plant grouping holds greater ornamental potential and yet is so underutilized in today’s landscape than the witch-hazel family. Beyond the showy flowering of these genera, many are also aesthetically valuable for their unique foliage, vibrant fall colors, and, in the case of Parrotia, attractive exfoliating bark. The fothergillas ( Fothergilla) round out the family’s flowering season in the Arboretum with their bottle-brush-like white blooms in May. ![]() rubescens (accession 527-92) with yellow foliage.Īs the ground begins to warm in April, several species of Corylopsis-commonly called the winter-hazels-produce many pendulous clusters of bell-shaped yellow flowers. Many witch-hazels display attractive fall color seen here, Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ (accession 380- 94-C) with red orange foliage and Hamamelis virginiana f. Other members of the witchhazel genus represent the earliest of bloomers, starting in January and lasting well into March-a remarkable sight in the depths of winter. This show can persist into December even as the snow begins to fall. ![]() Starting in October, common witch-hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana)-a New England native-begins to bloom, the straplike yellow petals of its fragrant flowers extending on warm days and curling up when temperatures drop near freezing. Specific locations include the area around the Hunnewell Visitor Center, the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden, scattered among the trees in the North Woods, on the edges of the hickory ( Carya) collection, near the summit of Bussey Hill, and among the jewels of the Explorers Garden.Īs autumn arrives at the Arboretum, the flowering season for the witch-hazel family begins, and will carry through until spring. The Arboretum’s Hamamelidaceae collection, which currently comprises ten temperate region genera, can be found in groupings throughout the Arboretum landscape. The Arnold Arboretum has a rich history with the family, from plant exploration to the naming and introduction of its members to cultivation. Members of the family are found in both temperate and tropical regions of North and Central America, Eastern Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family, includes approximately 30 genera representing around 100 species of deciduous trees and shrubs. ![]()
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