VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Hamamelis virginiana | Witch-Hazel 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The fruit of witch-hazel is eaten by ruffed grouse, northern bobwhite,
ring-necked pheasant, and white-tailed deer.  The fruit is also
frequently eaten by beaver and cottontail rabbit [11,35].

Witch-hazel fruit is a minor fall food for black bear in western
Massachusetts [15].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Medicinal extracts, lotions, and salves are prepared from the leaves,
twigs, and bark of witch-hazel.  The distillate is used to reduce
inflammation, stop bleeding, and check secretions of the mucous
membranes.  Extracts of the twigs were also believed to infuse the
imbiber with occult powers [36,37].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Witch-hazel competes with more desirable hardwoods for available light
and moisture [26].  Its dense cover inhibits seed germination of
intolerant species [9].
 
Blair and Burnett [2] reported that witch-hazel, along with Carolina
jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), sweetgum
(Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum), and post oak
(Quercus stellata), declined by 94.7 percent collectively after logging.

Related categories for Species: Hamamelis virginiana | Witch-Hazel