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witch-hazel identification #879564
Asked July 31, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
Mason County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Difficult to say since they are both similar in size and leaf shape. The easier way to tell is to note the flower colors and when the flowers bloom.
H. vernalis flowers starting late winter or early spring. There are a variety of cultivars available with flower colors varying from yellow to red.
H. virginiana blooms in late fall, yellow flowers.
There are also several hybrids.
https://extension.psu.edu/witch-hazels-a-promise-that-spring-is-on-the-way
If you found this in a natural area it is likely H. virginiana
Other differences:
H. vernalis is a smaller shrub, maturing about10-15ft high. Leaves tend to be thick, older stems are rougher in texture than virginiana.
H. virginiana is larger at maturity, about 20-25 ft high. Leaves are less thick, but tend to be broader than vernalis.
Based on the leaves in the picture this looks more like H. vernalis