8-20' × same.
Quirky ⅔" yellow flowers appear in early to mid-November on this small irregular rounded medicinal tree or large shrub. Oval hazel-like textured foliage turns brilliant golden-yellow in fall.
Makes a soothing astringent with a seemingly endless number of uses from controlling acne to soothing diaper rash, poison ivy, chicken pox and browntail moth rashes. Most preparations involve simply brewing tea from the leaves and/or twigs.
“Witch” is said to refer to the odd flowering time or maybe it’s because dowsers like to use the interesting forked branches to “witch” for water.
Full sun or shade. Prefers moist acid soils; avoid dry spots. No pests or diseases, does well with very little care. Selectively prune to shape as desired, or do nothing and it will still look good!