Leaves: Alternate, simple; blades obovate, rounded or short-pointed at the tip, rounded or sometimes tapering to the base, up to 6 inches long, sometimes nearly half as broad, usually with several low, rounded teeth, dark green and usually somewhat hairy on the upper surface, paler and hairy on the lower surface; leafstalks up to ¾ inch long, slightly hairy.
Flowers: Blooming from September to November, several in a cluster, each with 4 bright yellow, strap-shaped petals up to ⅔ inch long.
Fruit: Capsules up to ½ long, brown, hairy, splitting open during the following autumn to liberate several small, shiny seeds.
Wood: Hard, heavy, close-grained, light brown.
Uses: Planted as an ornamental. The astringent witch hazel is derived from this plant.
Habitat: Woodlands.
Range: Southern Quebec across to Minnesota, south to Missouri, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Distinguishing Features: The late-flowering period and the obovate leaves with shallow, rounded teeth characterize the Witch Hazel.
