Witch hazel, we all have heard of it. Many of us may even have it in our bathrooms. But have you ever considered growing it? It's colorful blooms are bewitching, particularly in winter.

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Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, often begins to bloom in the cold of winter. Yep, while most plants are shriveling up, witch hazel is ready teddy.

Where Witch Hazel Gets its Name

You have to admit, the witch hazel has a cool name. But where did the name come from? Well, according to Master Gardener William Moss, when they are pollinating, they form a small nut that stays closed until fall.

When it's time to open up, these seeds literally shoot out, so forcefully you can hear it. So, when the early pioneers were walking about outside and heard this, they wondered if these plants were bewitched.

It's certainly no wonder the pioneers thought so... The seeds can shoot a whopping ten to twenty feet.

Witch Hazel Varieties

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Using Witch Hazel to Find Water

Need to find a water source for a well? You can make a dowsing rod using witch hazel. It is believed that the English settlers were shown by the Mohegans how to use make dowsing rods out of witch hazel branches. But the technique of dowsing goes much further back in history. In fact, we can trace it back 4,000 years ago to Egypt and the Middle East.

Tips for Growing Witch Hazel

Plant witch hazel in full sun to partial shade.
Give them plenty of growing room. (Some grow to 30' tall and 25' wide.)
Witch hazels do best when planted in well-drained, loamy, acidic soil.
Mulch your witch hazel with wood chips or pine needles to maintain acidity and keep the soil moist.
Witch hazel can be grown as a large shrub or small tree, depending upon how you prune it.