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| What's in Bloom? |
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NOVEMBER
Hamamelis virginiana - Witch hazel 
Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a diminutive understory tree with no close relatives growing in Pennsylvania. It is readily identifiable from its multi-stemmed habit, wavy-margined leaves and nut-like capsules that explosively eject the seeds. However, we feature witch hazel for a more remarkable characteristic -- this species begins to bloom in October, and extends into November. The long-lasting lightly-scented flowers with stringy yellow petals are pollinated by midges, flies and beetles that survive late in the season. Once value for its medicinal properties, the aromatic extract of this plant continues to be a popular ingredient in personal care products. At Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, specimens are conveniently located very near the Visitor Center Gardens. Hats off to this plucky plant that blooms during our coolest month! (Photo courtesy of W.L. Wagner at USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)
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