The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Cherokee vernal witch-hazel

Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel family)

Distribution: Species native to s.-c. United States, Mexico

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: This selection of the native vernal witch-hazel will brighten up your late winter. It is one of the red-orange flowered selections and has a nice fragrance also. It is a vigorous, medium size deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub growing 7-10' high and more in spread. Plants in suitable sites will sucker, forming colonies. It is unique for its winter strap-like, reddish orange flowers that occur in late February and early March. Fall color can be an outstanding orange and red. Foliage is disease and insect free.