Range

Japan, China

Ecology

"Hamamelis x intermedia hybrids are crosses between Japanese witch hazel (H. japonica) and Chinese witch hazel (H. mollis)." [1]

"In the wild, witchhazels are woodland species that are often found growing in forest edges and meadows." [2]

Equity: Cultural and Historical Significance

"Many of us remember the Witch Hazel in our grandmother’s medicine cabinet. This was (and is still available) as an extract of our Eastern North American native witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. The American Indians used this species as a medicinal for centuries before our grandmothers knew about it. In the 1840’s a patent medicine was developed by Theron T. Pond, in association with the Oneida Indians." [3]

Economics

"The witch hazel industry is now centered in Connecticut, where branches are harvested by landowners who contract with the distilling companies. The branches are chipped to take to the distillery for processing. The branches are cut at ground level, and resprout for harvest again a few years later. Witch Hazel extract is mainly used as an astringent to treat skin problems and insect bites, as an anti-inflammatory, and as an ingredient in deodorants, after shave, cloth wipes, soaps and creams." [3]