Witch-hazel

Witch Hazel Shrubs in Michigan Wholesale

Based in Free Soil, Michigan, Cold Stream Farm is the proud purveyor of retail and wholesale Witch Hazel shrubs. We have no minimum order on Witch Hazel seedlings and transplants with shipping from our Michigan farm to your property anywhere in the United States and Canada.

What to Know Before You Purchase Witch Hazel

Witch-hazel is a term that can be used to describe any plant within the genus Hamamelis, which contains species found in North America (the US and Canada), China, and Japan. Cold Stream Farm is a supplier of Hamamelis virginiana which has many common names including common Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel, and American Witch Hazel.

About Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Hamamelis virginiana is native to North America, in the eastern United States and Canada. We are lucky to live in Michigan, one of a few dozen states and territories where Witch Hazel grows naturally. Most commonly, wild Witch Hazel plants can be seen growing near the edges of forests in wet conditions.

Size and Appearance of Witch Hazel Shrubs

Witch Hazel is a deciduous, flowering plant with irregular branching patterns. In the right conditions, Witch Hazel shrubs can grow quite large with average mature heights ranging from 8 all the way to 25 feet. The plants grow in dense clusters of branches, which have a bark color of light orangish brown.

Witch Hazel Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit

The dark green leaves of a Witch Hazel Shrub are oval shaped with distinct ribs and veins. In autumn, Witch Hazel leaves turn yellow and red with small bits of rust appearing naturally.

Witch Hazel flowers are almost always yellow, with long stamens growing outward from the petal’s center. The flowers bloom in fall, which helps distinguish this species from many of its close and not-so-close relatives.

The fruit of a Witch Hazel is tough to spot, as it is nothing more than a small, dark, and dense capsule growing in the fall. At about one half of an inch in size, these capsules split to bear two seeds for plant propagation.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Witch Hazel Shrubs

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) shrubs prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide variety of sun conditions from complete exposure to full shade. Growing best in USDA zones 3 through 8, it is fairly easy for a Witch Hazel shrub to thrive so long as it is not placed in overly dry conditions.

Most Witch Hazel plants are very hardy, able to withstand excessive alkaline soils, areas with heavy clay, and ongoing exposure to road salt. In ideal conditions, Witch Hazels will only achieve a moderate growth rate.

Best Landscape Uses for Witch Hazel Shrubs

Thanks to their ability to withstand large amounts of salt, Witch Hazel shrubs are often planted alongside roads and highways, especially in moist or swampy areas. They can be planted as an ornamental specimen plant, or also used to add interesting colors and textures to a mixed property border installation.

Human Uses For Witch Hazel Products

Abundantly available throughout the eastern United States, common Witch Hazel plants have been used by humans for centuries. An extract from the stems and shrubs has been boiled to treat inflammations, swellings, and even tumors.

Today, the most common application of Witch Hazels is in skincare products. The twigs have also been useful in bushcraft, divining, and more.

Wildlife and Ecology

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) plants are very popular among caterpillars, hosting over 60 species on stems and leaves throughout North America. These crawlers eventually turn into butterflies and moths which help beautify a garden. In addition to insects, Witch Hazel Plants also attract many bird species to eat their fruit in the late fall and winter.

How to Plant and Maintain Witch Hazel Shrubs

Witch Hazel shrubs are resistant to infestations and diseases, with well protected plants primarily taking care of themselves. The most important thing to keep in mind when growing Witch Hazel plants is the moisture of the soil. Frequent watering may be necessary for a young Witch Hazel shrub to remain in good health.

Very tolerant of pruning, Witch Hazel shrubs can be shaped to fit the needs of your property. They should be planted with enough room for spreading with optional protection against deer and other large browsing species that may cause damage.

Contact us today about your Witch Hazel order.

Available in different sizes, we have limited Witch Hazel shrubs available to purchase online. There is no minimum quantity required. If you have any questions about your shipment or future availability, contact us.