Hamamelis (witch hazel)

Hamamelis is a winter-flowering shrub, commonly known as witch hazel. Its spicy fragrance and spidery flowers in yellow, orange and reds always help to brighten the garden in winter.  It flowers mid to late winter and I always feel winter must be well on its way once the witch hazel is in bloom.

I has medicinal uses, the leaves and bark being used to produce an astringent which can be used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling.  Personally I just like to see it for the pretty and delicate flowers it produces.