Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Ozark Witch Hazel are alternately arranged on the stem, simple (no leaflets), with an ovate shape and an average length of 3″. The leaf margin has irregular toothing that may appear as extremely shallow lobes. The leaves turn yellow in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs are light brown with light lenticels (pores) and densely fuzzy hairs that fade with maturity. The buds are fuzzy, slender, and pointed. The terminal bud is paired with a secondary bud.
Bark Identification
The bark is light gray and mottled with patches of medium gray and dark gray. It has horizontal notch-like lenticels. The Ozark Witch Hazel is a shrub with multiple suckering stems unless cultivated into one trunk.
Fruit Identification
The fruits of the Ozark Witch Hazel are hard, yellow-green, 4-pronged capsules. These fruits are dehiscent and eject their seeds in the fall.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Ozark Witch Hazel are in small circular clusters on short peduncles (flowering stems). Each flower has four red-orange strap-like petals.
Witchhazel ID Tips
- The Ozark Witchhazel is distinguished from the American Witchhazel based on flowering time and color. The American Witchhazel flowers in the fall, with yellow flowers, while the Ozark Witchhazel flowers in the spring, with orange and red flowers.