One of the earliest-flowering shrubs, Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) is a large, dense, deciduous shrub or small tree of upright to rounded habit. It boasts dense clusters of extremely fragrant, frost-proof, bright yellow to dull orange to red-orange flowers in mid to late winter. Borne on naked branches, each flower consists of 4 narrow, crinkled, strap-shaped petals with red calyces. On very cold days, the strap-like petals curl up and they unfurl as the weather warms. Emerging light green with bronze tints in spring, the foliage of ovate-rounded leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), matures to dark green as the season progresses, before warming up to shades of rich butter yellow to golden yellow in the fall. The dead foliage often persists on the shrub throughout the winter. Relatively short-lived (30–50 years), Ozark Witch Hazel is tolerant of wet or dry sites, sunny or shady sites, and gravelly or clay soils. It is a great plant for shrub borders, hedges, massing, naturalizing, or erosion control.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 8-15 ft. wide (240-450 cm). Will spread by underground stolons to form large colonies.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers organically rich, moist, acidic soils. Some tolerance for clay soils. Best flowering in full sun. Tolerant of periodic flooding.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen or hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf gall aphids, weevils, scale, leafroller, leafminer, powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
• Prune in spring after flowering to control shape and size.
• Propagate by seeds or rooted stem cuttings. Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
• Native to the southern and central United States.