Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Witch-hazel identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Lopsided oval leaves 3 to 6 inches long with wavy, nearly toothed edges. Bark: Smooth gray to gray-brown even on old stems. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify witch-hazel
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Lopsided oval leaves 3 to 6 inches long with wavy, nearly toothed edges. |
| Bark | Smooth gray to gray-brown even on old stems. |
| Fruit | Woody brown capsules about 1/2 inch long that split and shoot out two shiny black seeds. |
| Twigs | Slender, finely fuzzy light brown twigs with stalked, scale-less buds. |
| Size and shape | Small tree or shrub up to about 20 feet, usually in clumps; spidery yellow flowers with four thin petals. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is witch-hazel native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists witch-hazel as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Questions
How do you identify witch-hazel?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Lopsided oval leaves 3 to 6 inches long with wavy, nearly toothed edges. Bark: Smooth gray to gray-brown even on old stems.
Is witch-hazel native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists witch-hazel as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does witch-hazel get?
Small tree or shrub up to about 20 feet, usually in clumps; spidery yellow flowers with four thin petals.
How can you tell witch-hazel in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender, finely fuzzy light brown twigs with stalked, scale-less buds. Bark: Smooth gray to gray-brown even on old stems.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Hamamelis virginiana fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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