Unit 18 (018)

1. Hamamelidaceae or witch hazel Family

There are two type of buds which help separate the genera for outdoor identification.

Imbricate or overlapping bud scales are found on Corylopsis and Liquidambar.

Fothergilla has two bud scales that fall off quickly.

Naked or foliose buds are found on Hamamelis and Parrotia.

Hamamelis species can be separated by time of flowering. The native Hamamelis

virginiana flowers in the fall along with the yellow foliage, while most of the other

species flower in early spring.

Leaves are also useful for separating plants.

Liquidambar has star shaped leaves with 5 to 7 pointed lobes.

Corylopsis, Fothergilla, Hamamelis, and Parrotia have leaves that are similar in shape,

being ovate or rounded, often with a cordate or slightly heart shaped leaf base.