Mariton: Fall Flowers

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photos by Carole Mebus.

Witch Hazel Blossoms

A delicate and long lasting flower is found on Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)  at this time of year.  Witch Hazel is a large shrub or a small tree depending on who you talk to.  Most would consider it a shrub as it doesn’t grow upright, but generally has a graceful arching form.  I think of it as a small tree because even bent over, it can reach 20 feet above the ground.  So, it provides another horizontal layer in a healthy forest.

There are a number of places at Mariton where you can find this beautiful tree.  What I really like about witch hazel is that after the leaves fall off the delicate yellow blossoms will persist casting yellow halos in the woods.  If you notice a faint yellow glow in the early winter woods, chances are it is coming from a witch hazel.