Not all varieties of witch hazel actually produce fruit. The ornamental plant commercially available as “late-blooming witch hazel” is one of these non-fruit-producing plants. In contrast to Hamamelis virginiana, it does not bloom in autumn but only in early spring.
What are the fruits of the witch hazel like?
The fruits of the witch hazel are woody capsule fruits, edible and probably tasty, but not common in the kitchen. Not all varieties produce fruit. The capsule fruits each contain two seeds, which are thrown up to 10 meters when ripe.
Can you eat the fruits of witch hazel?
The fruits of the Virginia witch hazel are found on the bush at the same time as the next year's flowers, a small phenomenon in the plant world. Although they are not poisonous, the fruits are rarely used in the kitchen. They look a little similar to hazelnuts, but are not related to them. Despite everything, the fruits are said to be very tasty.
In homeopathy, witch hazel is very popular and is used in many ways, but only the variety Hamamelis virginiana, the Virginian witch hazel. Because of its anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and astringent effects, it is often used for wound healing and for various skin problems. It is also said to help with hemorrhoids or neurodermatitis and even diarrhea. However, the leaves and bark are primarily used in medicine.
What do the fruits of the witch hazel look like?
The relatively easy-care witch hazel produces woody capsule fruits that each contain only two seeds. Incidentally, despite the possible similarity, it is not botanically related to the hazelnut. When the witch hazel seeds are ripe, the capsules burst open and explosively throw the seeds up to ten meters away.
So if you want to collect and sow the seeds from your own plant, you should remove them before they ripen. After that it will be difficult to find her again in the vastness of the garden.
Interesting facts about the witch hazel fruit:
- Edible fruit, probably very tasty
- not every variety of witch hazel produces fruits
- woody capsule fruit with 2 seeds each
- ripe seeds are thrown up to 10 m
Tip
If you would like to collect the seeds of your witch hazel for sowing, do so shortly before the seeds are ripe. Ripe seeds are thrown meters across the garden and are hard to find again.
