But this tree's virtues don't stop with its blooms. Happiest in partial shade to full sun, this remarkably tolerant species has few insect or disease problems. It does like moisture, but can tolerate drought. The leaf margins are wavy, accentuating the deep veins. Margins sinuately denticulate, pubescent above, grayish tomentose beneath.
Petioles stout, densely pubescent.
Borne in small clusters, they each have four long, strap-like petals that curl up in cold weather. Perfect, calyx ferrugineously tomentose outside, purpish-red inside, petals golden yellow, reddish at the base. Fortunately, they are hidden as the leaves emerge. This witchhazel has the best fall color of any in its genus, ranging from a spectacular yellow to yellow-orange. The bark is a smooth, silvery gray on older branches, with younger stems more grayish and slightly pubescent.