A stately Missouri native shrub, Ozark Witch Hazel, Hamamelis vernalis, brings delicate flowers in the last days of winter to early spring. Before the leaves emerge, in mid to late winter fragrant flowers with curled, ribbon-like petals appear along the stems. Ozark Witch Hazel’s flowers can be a variety of colors from pale yellow, or orange to dark reddish-purple. Its lovely rounded leaves start out light green with reddish tints, turn dark green, then end golden yellow in fall. Smaller in size that its native cousin, the Common Witch Hazel, Ozark Witch Hazel typically grows to about 6′ tall, but can reach up to 10′ tall.

If given space, Ozark Witch Hazel will spread by suckers to form colonizes. Grows easily in average to medium moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. For best flowering place in full sun. Hamamelis prefers a rich soil and consistent moisture. Pruning is best done in spring after flowering.