Quiz: When does a witch hazel bush bloom? Answer: Twice, once in March and once in November. Well, it’s November and the witch hazel bush living at the southeast corner of The Mayflower Community’s (Grinnell IA) Watertower Square apartment building next to Gene and Kathy Herman’s patio, is blooming!
Witch hazels are small trees/shrubs with fragrant yellow blooms that grow 10 to 20 feet tall and, sometimes, nearly as wide.
Although witch hazel has many common names, the generic name means “together with fruit,” which refers to the fact that this special tree is the only tree in North America to have flowers, ripe fruit, and next year’s leaf buds on its branches all at the same time. The witch hazel bush is often called “water-witch,” as its branches were once used to search and find underground sources of water and minerals.
And, yes, it is the witch hazel that is commonly used to treat insect bites and sunburns and as a refreshing lotion for after shaving. However, the Hermans are merely enjoying its beautiful blossoms.
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
