Hamamelis vernalis

Winter days can be drab in my neck of the woods. Hamamelis vernalis, commonly called Ozark witch hazel, provides a touch of joy to our garden. Having fragrant flowers that bloom despite the winter's hold on the landscape gets me through the tail end of the dormant season. The strong scent lures one in before even noticing the somewhat discreet flowers. 

The leaves often persist through winter, concealing the star shaped flowers. Unlike the non-native species that are showy from a distance, Hamamelis vernalis requires a closer look to appreciate the orange/red inner calyx and bright yellow streamers. 

Much like beech trees, the crinkled foliage rustles when the winter wind blows. But, on warm winter days, the aromatic blooms tempt pollinators that are brave enough to venture out of their dwellings. 

hover fly (Syrpidae)

Pollinating flies commonly appear on warmer days, which are unpredictable and perhaps explain why this plant has such a long flowering time (December - March). Since there is always a relationship between plant and pollinator(s) one can assume that the flower characteristics are intended for particular pollinators.  

green bottle fly (Calliphoridae)

An under appreciated insect in the garden green bottle flies (blow flies) are important agents in decomposition (larva stage) as well as pollinators (adult stage). Attracted to the color yellow and fragrant flowers, the adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, an important protein source, especially for females.

This witch hazel's native range is the Ozarks highlands of Missouri, Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, growing in wetland areas alongside streams. It does perform well in the clay soils of the Georgia Piedmont and makes an excellent addition to a garden landscape in sun to part shade situation.

I'm late joining Clay & Limestone for Wildflower Wednesday this month, but it's never too late to celebrate flowers that bloom this time of year and kick off the spring flowering season!