Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

A large shrub or small tree that occupies an import niche in the garden and often becoming a nesting site for birds. As the brilliant yellow leaves drop in the fall, the branches become covered with small yellow flowers that sustain late-season pollinators. Simultaneously, last year’s seed pods have ripened and begin ejecting the seeds up to 25 feet. A larval host plant for the spring azure butterfly, it will grow in sun or shade in just about any type of soil.

$25