Witch Hazel

This deciduous shrub has smooth bark and fragrant late Fall flowers. A distillation of the leaves and flower bearing twigs is a powerful astringent and disinfectant used to reduce varicose swellings and clean wounds. Originating from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, these shrubs can reach 15 feet tall and prefer a well drained, sandy soil and part shade. Leaves have nice fall color. Hardy to zones 3-9.