The witch hazel shrub grows 4 to 6 inches in diameter and 10 to 12 feet in height. Witch hazel has smooth, gray bark with leaves 3 to 5 inches in length.The leaves are alternate.
Yellow flowers appear on the witch hazel plant in autumn when leaves fall. This is followed by black nuts with edible white seeds.
Leaves are inodorous and bitterish, aromatic, and astringent.
The bark contains tannin, a partially crystal and partially amorphosu gallic acid.
The leaves and bark are used medically for an external pain killer and useful in the treatment of bruises, etc.
