Most of us know Witch Hazel as that gorgeous, colorful shrub that brightens up a dreary winter garden when everything else is dormant. But while we usually focus on those unique, spindly flowers, the fruits of the Hamamelis plant are actually pretty fascinating in their own right!
The Fruit of the Witch Hazel
Not every variety of Witch Hazel will produce fruit. Most gardeners plant them for their stunning looks rather than a harvest. That said, the fruits are actually quite tasty and look a bit like little hazelnuts. Even so, you won’t often find them on a dinner menu!
Inside the Witch Hazel’s woody capsule, you’ll find two seeds. Here’s the cool part: once they’re ripe, the capsule snaps open and “explodes,” shooting the seeds up to 30 feet away! If you’re planning to propagate the plant from seed, you’ll want to harvest the capsules before they fully ripen. Otherwise, you’ll be hunting through your entire yard looking for those runaway seeds.
Ways to Use Witch Hazel
Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is the variety you’ll most often see grown for practical use. It’s a powerhouse in medicinal and cosmetic products and is a staple in homeopathy. As a cream or ointment, it’s amazing for soothing skin irritations and helping wounds heal. If you struggle with dry or sensitive skin, it’s also a fantastic post-shave treatment. You can find plenty of Hamamelis-based products at your local drugstore.
But the benefits don’t stop at skincare. You can actually brew a tea from the leaves and bark, which is a traditional remedy for digestive issues like diarrhea. That same tea can be applied topically to inflamed skin. Overall, the plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the body.
Quick Summary
- Not all Witch Hazel varieties produce fruit.
- The fruits are edible and actually taste pretty good!
- They look similar to hazelnuts.
- Each seed capsule contains two seeds.
- You can use these seeds to grow new plants.
- Pro tip: Pick the capsules before they ripen so they don’t “explode” seeds everywhere.
- Common Witch Hazel is widely used in medicine and homeopathy.
- It’s great for skin issues, wound healing, and digestive relief.
- It has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
