Scientists name at least 5 different botanical Hamamelis species, or witch hazel.
The official witch hazel species look very much alike. Scientists found differences in:
- Origin
- Shape
- Habitat preference
- Flowering periode
- Other tiny, but clear, differences
From USA and Asia
The 5 botanical species of witch hazel have their origins in the USA and Asia:
- 3 from the USA: Hamamelis ovalis, H. virginiana en H. vernalis
- 1 from China: H. mollis
- 1 from Japan: H. japonica
Hybrid witch hazels
Witch hazel hybrids are more suitable for our gardens than the species. They require just a little attention.
The most important Hamamelis for our parks and gardens is a crossing of the 2 Asian species. This Hamamelis x intermedia has characteristics of both parent plants which makes it an easy and attractive plant for gardeners.
Links
- Our blogs on naming of plants, some Dutch blogs will be translated soon
- Our English blogs on the witch hazel
