Witch Hazel Around All Hallows Eve

Witch hazel is a true late bloomer. And truly a plant that marches to a different drummer. This tall shrub with many diagonal trunks drops its leaves in October along with the rest of the gang. But soon thereafter, yellow, spidery blossoms emerge on the leafless branches.

As the leaves fall and turn brown, the Witch Hazel offers some welcome color this time of year. (Courtesy Francie Von Mertens)

There aren't many plants that bear flower and fruit at the same time, but now's the time when witch hazel's small woody fruits burst open with enough force to expel their seeds some 15, 20, and reportedly even 50 feet. The accompanying "snap" gives this woody plant one of its many nicknames, "snapping hazel." Not many insects are out and about in the fall, so on a really cold day the delicate petals close up. This protects pollen and nectar until warmer days lure the season's few pollinators back into action.

Theories vary on the plant's name. The leaves resemble the common hazel of Europe. As for the "witch" in witch hazel, its flexible branches were used for water dowsing, also known as "water-witching." Another theory cites a similar-sounding Old English word meaning to bend or be pliable.

As for the healing powers of witch hazel extract, opinions vary there, as well. The use of witch hazel teas and poultices traces back to many Native American tribes, and today there are many products offered to treat rashes, colds, and general inflammation.

Observing this last hurrah of the flowering season is a great excuse for a forest walk this time of year.