Native Plant Spotlight | Witch-Hazel

Native to Riverwoods, Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a woody shrub or small tree with green foliage in the summer and attractive yellow flowers in the fall. It produces acorn looking seed capsules that explode in the fall making an audible sound and expelling seeds 10-20 feet away. 

• Ornamental Value: blooms mid to late fall for about 3 weeks. This is the last woody plant to bloom in the fall. Can be cultivated into an ornamental shrub in yards.
• Growing Conditions: light shade to partial sun in well moisture balanced sandy or sandy clay soil is preferred. The more sunlight the plant receives the more flowers are produced.
• Mature Size: up to 20 feet tall. 

Native Tree & Shrub Planting Cost-Share Program

To help restore the ecological health of our woodlands, residents are encouraged to plant native trees, shrubs, flowers and other plant species.  You might qualify for a Native Tree & Shrub Planting cost-share program, with the Village covering half of the cost of the plants and the planting. 

Your property may qualify for one or more of the Village's Cost-Share programs, which can not only help restore the ecological health of Riverwoods, but can also improve your property's ornamental landscape and real estate value. To see which cost-share programs your property qualifies for, request an Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist.