Witch Hazel
Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-This is the last woody plant to bloom during the fall; this usually occurs shortly after its leaves turn yellow and have fallen to the ground. After the flowers have withered away, some of them are replaced by seed capsules that require an entire year to mature. A mature seed capsule resembles a brown woody acorn about 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Mature capsules explode, ejecting the seeds about 10-20 ft. away. There is an ornamental variety which is a hybrid between a Japanese species and a Chinese species that has larger flowers and blooms in early spring. Mike's Pistachio Park Management Area, Ives Road Fen Preserve, November 1, 2017.
Witch Hazel
Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-This is the last woody plant to bloom during the fall; this usually occurs shortly after its leaves turn yellow and have fallen to the ground. After the flowers have withered away, some of them are replaced by seed capsules that require an entire year to mature. A mature seed capsule resembles a brown woody acorn about 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Mature capsules explode, ejecting the seeds about 10-20 ft. away. There is an ornamental variety which is a hybrid between a Japanese species and a Chinese species that has larger flowers and blooms in early spring. Mike's Pistachio Park Management Area, Ives Road Fen Preserve, November 1, 2017.