Common witchhazel is a shrub or small tree with arching branches, typically growing as a multi-stemmed clump reaching on average 15 feet tall and wide. The indigenous and early settlers once used this shrub as a dowsing rod to find underground water sources, but along with increases in clear cutting of forests in NYS, its population and dominance greatly decreased. Its fragrant bright yellow flowers appear in mid to late fall, typically the only sign of color amongst all the dead lead litter. Common witchhazel was once a popular ornamental but sadly has been replaced by more showy non-native Asiatic species. This shrub’s fruit is eaten by wildlife such as ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, white-tailed deer, beaver, and cottontail rabbit. Its leaves, twigs, and bark can also be used to make medicinal extracts, lotions, and salves as it is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory.