Origin
The Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is a plant species native to North America, specifically in the eastern parts of the continent. It is commonly found in woodland areas throughout the United States and Southern Canada, and it prefers acidic soil with good drainage and partial to full sunlight.
Common Names
The Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is commonly known as the bigleaf witch hazel due to its large and oblong leaves that measure over seven inches in length. It is also called the Ozark witch hazel, as it is commonly found in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Uses
The bigleaf witch hazel has been used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating skin irritations, hemorrhoids, and sore muscles. The plant has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in reducing swelling and irritation. Its bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine, and some herbal teas are made using the plant's leaves and bark.
The witch hazel plant is also valued for its ornamental value in landscapes. It blooms small yellow flowers in late winter, providing bright colors during the winter months. In the fall, the leaves turn to a striking shade of yellow, making it a popular plant choice in the autumn landscape. Its growth habit is compact and rounded, making it a great addition to small gardens and rock gardens.
General Appearance
The bigleaf witch hazel is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet in height. Its leaves are large and oblong, measuring over seven inches long and up to four inches wide. Its bark is grayish-brown and smooth with noticeable lenticels. The plant blooms small, fragrant, yellow flowers with ribbon-like petals in clusters on bare twigs in the late winter, before the leaves appear. It also bears fruits that resemble small capsules that contain one or two black seeds.
The bigleaf witch hazel is a hardy plant that can adapt to different soil conditions and is relatively low maintenance. It requires regular watering and pruning, and it is susceptible to pests and diseases.
Light Requirements
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. grows best in partial shade or dappled sunlight. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and overall damage to the plant. It is recommended to grow the plant under the shade of taller trees or on the east or west side of a building to provide partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions with extreme winter temperatures, it is important to select a site that is protected from cold winds and frost. During periods of extreme heat, it is important to ensure that the plant is well watered and shaded to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility. The plant is susceptible to root rot, so it is important to avoid soil that is constantly wet. It is also recommended to mulch around the base of the plant to maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is a deciduous shrub that is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. The plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil in partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun, it can also scorch under hot, dry conditions. The best time to plant the shrub is in the fall or early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. prefers evenly moist soil, especially during hot, dry weather. However, the plant is sensitive to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. Water the shrub deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Mulching around the plant's base can help the soil retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilization
Fertilization is optional for Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt., but can encourage healthier growth and blooming. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is generally unnecessary, but can be done to maintain a more compact shape or remove dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to grow new leaves. Pruning during the growing season may remove next year's flower buds.
Propagation of Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt.
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Sexual propagation involves growing the plant from seed, while asexual propagation involves utilizing vegetative parts of the plant to create clones.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds of Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. require a period of cold stratification before they will germinate. This can be achieved by storing the seeds in a moist, cool environment (around 4°C) for several months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining, moist soil mix in the early spring.
It's worth noting that growing Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. from seed can result in a wide range of plant characteristics due to genetic variation.
Asexual Propagation
The most common asexual method of propagating Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla (Pursh) Nutt. is through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken from healthy, mature plants in the fall or winter, once the leaves have dropped. The cuttings should be roughly pencil-thick and around 10-15cm in length.
The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment (such as a propagator or covered with a plastic bag) to encourage rooting. Roots should develop over the following months, and the new plant can be planted in its permanent location the next fall or spring.
Disease Management
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spots: This is a common fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Manage this disease by pruning infected areas, applying fungicides, and avoiding overhead watering.
- Canker Disease: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken, discolored patches on the plant's bark. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of infected branches, and apply fungicides.
To prevent these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of infected plant material and avoiding overhead watering. Additionally, it is recommended to plant disease-resistant varieties whenever possible.
Pest Management
Hamamelis virginiana L. var. macrophylla is relatively pest-free. However, some pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant by spraying with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to help control their population.
- Scale Insects: These insects are small, immobile, and feed on the plant's sap. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of infected branches and apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap and can cause leaf discoloration. To manage spider mites, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply insecticidal soap.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of infected plant material and maintaining a healthy, well-watered plant. Additionally, it is recommended to encourage the population of natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to help manage pest populations.
