This post is part of a project in the works; "An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing, research and facts over the course of a year with a watercolor painting for each entry. Originals and prints will be available via the website as they are completed and prepped and the book will be available upon completion.
When I moved here, I found a mostly disused trail leading to the back of our small property. Near the back, large shrubs grew in the most lovely branching habitats. I had no idea what they were. I revisited the spot in the fall and realized the shrubs were flowering. I realized i had a cluster of witch hazel shrubs. Their yellow, spidery blossoms were a stark contrast against the browning leaves of late autumn. The delicate petals, curling and twisting like enchanted ribbons, seemed to whisper secrets of the forest's lore. Intrigued, I decided to learn more about this mystical plant that had silently thrived on my land.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its unique flowers, which bloom in late fall and sometimes into early winter, are among its most distinctive features. Each flower consists of four slender, strap-like petals that range in color from pale yellow to bright orange, creating a striking visual in the autumn landscape.
The life cycle of witch hazel is as fascinating as its appearance. The plant begins its cycle in early spring, when new leaves and shoots start to emerge. These leaves are oval-shaped, with wavy or toothed edges, and are a vibrant green. As the seasons progress, the leaves darken and provide a lush canopy until fall, when they transition to golden yellow before dropping to the forest floor. The height of the witch hazel shrubs in the back was perfect with a golden canopy of yellow just above head height. They positively glow on gloomy fall days.
In late fall, just as most other plants are preparing for dormancy, witch hazel begins to bloom. The flowers appear on bare branches, seemingly defying the natural order of things. This unusual timing not only gives witch hazel its mystical reputation but also offers a critical source of nectar for late-season pollinators. The blooms persist through winter, after which small, woody fruit capsules begin to develop. These capsules mature and open explosively in the following autumn, ejecting seeds up to 30 feet away, ensuring the plant's propagation.
Witch hazel has a rich natural history and has been used by various cultures for its medicinal properties. Indigenous peoples of North America were among the first to recognize its healing potential. They used witch hazel extracts to treat a variety of ailments, from skin inflammations and insect bites to sore muscles and bruises. The plant's bark and leaves contain tannins and volatile oils, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
In modern times, witch hazel remains a popular natural remedy. Its extract is commonly found in skincare products, where it is valued for its ability to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and tighten pores. Beyond its medicinal uses, witch hazel is also prized in landscaping for its hardiness and late-season beauty.
Standing in my newfound grove, I felt a deep connection to the land and its hidden wonders. The discovery of the witch hazel shrubs was more than just a botanical find; it was a reminder of nature's resilience and the countless secrets waiting to be uncovered in our own backyards. With each visit to the grove since that first fall, I felt a growing sense of stewardship, a desire to protect and nurture this magical part of my property. As the witch hazel blossoms continued to unfurl their golden petals, I knew I had found a new sanctuary, a place where the past and present intertwined in the quiet dance of nature