HamamelisMollisPallida01

Plants Pacific Northwest

Hamamelis Mollis Pallida

Botanical Glossary - Home

The views expressed here are not necessarily the views of ernestartist.org

Plate 315 Plate 316

Plate 317 Plate 318

Ernestartist.org assumes no liability for experimental use of medicinal plants, food plants or herbal remedies.

Hamamelis Mollis Pallida: Witch Hazel

These blossom and bark photos were made in Mid-February 2003.

The flowers are quite a sight for winter-weary eyes, the 5/8" long flowers are yellow and fragrant and appear in February, lasting several weeks. Borne in small clusters, they each have four long, strap-like petals that curl up in cold weather. Soft grayish-green leaves form in spring, giving way to brilliant yellowish-apricot colors in the fall to reveal slender, silvery trunks. Not at all ornamental, the brownish fruit adorn the branches in small clusters. Fortunately, they are hidden as the leaves emerge.

The forked branches from Which Hazel were once used as water divining rods and for centuries a certain mystique was associated with the whole tree. The tannins are removed from young leaves, twigs and bark by boiling and distilling - which left a volatile oil used in cosmetic products such as Which Hazel toner that cleans and refreshes the skin. An extract from the bark has also been a popular astringent. Make a decoction from the leaves or bark and use as a compress for skin problems, bruises, insect bites, cuts, sore muscles, and aching joints.

Hamamelis Intermedia

Botanical Glossary - Home

Plate 318b

Ernestartist.org assumes no liability for experimental use of medicinal plants, food plants or herbal remedies.

Hamamelis Intermedia: Witch Hazel

This blossom photo was made in Mid-March, 2003 near Granville Island Vancouver..