"Save water, plant native trees."
I have this saying on a sticker that's plastered to my water bottle, the water bottle that I took with me everywhere -from friend's houses, school and to work. Often I had questions about what that particular sticker meant. Why plant native trees? How does that save water? It is a common question that has a rather simple answer: they are acclimatized to our location and require less water in order to survive!
So where is this going, then? Quite frankly, native plants are often overlooked. In order to keep a balance between invasive species and those commonly used in landscape designs, Tennesseans should incorporate more natives in their yards. Not only are they less for the owner to take care of, but they offer habitats for native wildlife and have other unique qualities. Sustainability is a huge benefit when it comes to using native plants. Natives can be used to prevent soil erosion near water banks or for multiple uses, such as food and medicinal means. This brings us to the native plant we will focus on today:
The American Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana.
Picture source (both) : http://madisonsflowers.com/
In fact, this is one of my favorite plants. The strange quality it brings to your garden results in a fantastic focal piece and fall blooming tree. It is a good tree for the South Eastern area, zone 7a (if we are to be specific about our location). The American Witch Hazel grows 15 - 20 feet tall and wide, normally, but can grow up to around 35 feet high and has a rather open and round crown. For those who want a smaller tree for their yard, this tree is the one for you!Unlike many petals we see, the Witch Hazel offers fragrant thin, fringe-like elongated petals in a light, buttery colored yellow. These flowers are often clumped together on the oddly crooked and smooth gray branches of the Witch Hazel. In October to November the blooms will appear amidst the yellow, oval and wavy toothed fall leaves. The flowers may even stick around after the foliage has dropped!
Typically, in the wild native Witch Hazels are found close to river banks, in relatively moist soil (such as a bottomland) and under the canopy of other larger trees. These shrubs are more common in the South Eastern zone compared to the West.
So, if you would like to have this tree planted in your yard, keep in mind that it will do best in part sun to light shade. Well drained soils that are slightly acidic are the best conditions for the tree. Considering that it’s natively found near water, it will appreciate a wetter situation rather than a dry situation; it will not take on dry conditions easily.
Witch Hazel is often used for medicinal means today, as it was in the past. For instance, Witch Hazel is used for reducing irritation and razor bumps after you shave, whether it your legs or your face! As well, it also prevents in grown hairs. Did you know that Witch Hazel is also good for putting poison ivy to reduce irritation. Talk about some instant relief!
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