Witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Multi-stemmed understorey shrub or small tree. Bark and leaves are a powerful astringent — the active in commercial witch hazel toner.

Hardiness ratings

Witch hazel hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −40 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −34 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Almost unique among temperate plants in flowering in late autumn or early winter, often after the leaves have fallen
  • Topical use only; not for internal use
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Witch hazel against your zones

Reference

Witch hazel on Wikipedia