Description
The “Y” shaped tree forks of Witch Hazel plant, Hamemelis virginiana, were used to divine for underground water sources. Users of these diviners were called dowsers or water witches. The astringent leaves are valued in cosmetics as a wash and for many other uses. An infusion of the leaves useful as a wash to treat wounds and as a sitz bath for haemorrhoids and perennial stitches. Witch Hazel plant is native to the east of North America and prefers damp, well drained soils in a protected, shaded position. Bright yellow thread like flowers appear as the leaves fall in autumn. Frost resistant but drought tender. A deciduous perennial shrub, growing to 5m x 2m.
Witch Hazel plant is available as dormant and bare-rooted.