When we moved to this property there was a canopy of secondary growth shagbark hickories, oaks
, a Slippery Elm and a few hackberries all growing in a weedy lawn. Other than a diseased redbud and a lovely
Ostry virginiana that was being smothered by a white wisteria vine there was absolutely no understory.
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| blooms from October to November |
It took me a few years to figure out that any shrubs or small understory trees that were going to be planted needed to be able to thrive in heavy, neutral, clay soil that is soggy wet in winter and dry all summer. Surprisingly, there are more available than one might think and one of the first ones I added was a native witchhazel,
Hamamelis virginiana.
(go here for a post about understory trees for Middle Tennessee)
Hamamelis virginiana is a small multi-stemmed slow to moderate growing deciduous tree or large shrub with arching branches and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in October and November. It's native to eastern North American, including Louisiana and Texas.
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| it has wonderful qualities that would appeal to every gardener |
That was many years ago and it's still one of my favorites. It's growing in a small woodland garden beneath the swaying branches of a shagbark hickory and The Dancing Tree
, the little Ostrya virginiana that I rescued from the strangling wisteria. It's perfect for woodland gardens and generously shares the ground beneath with woodland favorites like Christmas ferns, wild ginger, phacelia, trilliums, Dutchman's Breeches and other spring ephemerals.
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| There's more to witch hazel than a pretty face |
It's a darn shame that it is overlooked by most nurseries in favor of the flashier non-native witchhazels. Perhaps, the problem is that the flowers aren't as large and can be missed in a landscape filled with glowing autumn leaves. But, there's so much to be seen when you take a close look at its bloom.
I might have missed the nectaring bee mimic/hover fly had I not climbed into the woodland bed to look into the pretty flower face.
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| it takes a year for the seeds to mature |
If you don't take a close look you'll miss seeing the marvelous seed capsules. They explode when mature, sending the seeds more than 20 feet away from the parent tree to ensure the seed's best chance for germination.
You certainly don't want to miss their delightful, fragrant spidery crepe paper flowers that never fail to charm as they furl on cold days and unfurl on warm ones!
H virginiana is a great all around small tree/shrub for most gardens and those of you who are
wildlife gardeners might consider planting it for the good wildlife value it adds to a shady garden...
- A tough, adaptable plant suitable for a variety of garden settings (Hardiness Zones: 4-9)
- Tolerates clay soil and poor drainage
- Since it's often the last blooming plant found in most woodlands it's invaluable for providing nectar to late visiting pollinators
- It's upright spreading branches are good nesting sites for birds.
- Some moth caterpillars predate on it
- The dispersed seeds are eaten by birds and small rodents. Now don't turn your nose up at the mere mention of rodents, yes, they are pests, but, they are also extremely important critters for hungry owls and hawks.
- Lovely fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late fall
- Great fall foliage color
You can't go wrong with a
Hamamelis virginiana. I've loved this plant since I first saw it and my affection has never wavered. Yours won't either if you decide to add it to your garden.
xoxogail
It's a holiday this week and company is arriving at my house on Tuesday, so I am posting Wildflower Wednesday on Monday and it will be up all week. Feel free to join in at any time.
Welcome to Clay and Limestone's Wildflower Wednesday celebration. WW is about sharing and celebrating wildflowers from all over this great big, beautiful world. Join us on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Remember, it doesn't matter if they are in bloom or not, and, it doesn't matter if we all share the same plants. It's all about celebrating wildflowers. Please leave a comment when you add your url to Mr Linky.
Gail Eichelberger is a gardener and therapist in Middle Tennessee. She loves wildflowers and native plants and thoroughly enjoys writing about the ones she grows at
Clay and Limestone. She reminds all that the words and images are the property of the author and cannot be used without written permission.
