Ozark Witchhazel
Hamamelis vernalis 
Ozark witchhazel is a large shrub occurring in and along dry, rocky streambeds in southern and east central Missouri. It is reputed to have strange powers ranging from medicinal uses to water witching. The plant is valuable for wildlife food and cover and for controlling erosion along streams. It can also be used as a border shrub in landscaping.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 10 ft
- Spread
- 8 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 3" - 5" long, elliptical; edges wavy to almost lobed above the middle; veins prominent; dark green above, paler below
- Flowers
- yellow, ribbon-like flowers; flowers January to April
- Fruit
- l/2" long, hard elliptical capsule ending in 4 sharp curved points; capsule pops open to eject the seeds
- Bark
- light brown; smooth or scaly
- Associated species
- sweetgum, river birch, sycamore, roughleaf dogwood
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, partial sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, erosion
- Value to wildlife
- foodcover
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
