Winterhazel, Corylopsis glabrescens
Fragrant winter hazel, C. glabrescens.
Fragrant winter hazel, C. glabrescens.
Fragrant winter hazel, C. glabrescens.
Fragrant winter hazel, C. glabrescens.
Fragrant winter hazel, C. glabrescens.
Buttercup winterhazel, Corylopsis pauciflora.
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Common Name: fragrant winterhazel
Botanical Name: Corylopsis glabrescens Form: multi-stemmed upright, vase shape Family: Hamamelidaceae Genus: Corylopsis Species: glabrescens Plant Type: deciduous shrub Mature Size: 8 to 15 feet tall and wide Growth: medium Origin: Japan, Korea Hardiness Zone: Foliage: simple, ovate, 2”to 4” long, cordate base, dentate leaf margins, pubescent, dark green summer, gold to yellow in autumn Flowers: 1½ ” long flower clusters (racemes), fragrant, yellow in February and March Fruit: not showy dehiscent capsule Stems: alternate leaf arrangement, brown thin stems that zigzag along branches Exposure: full sun to light shade Soil: moist, acidic, well-drained Uses: winter interests, fragrance, massing, borders, foundation plant, woodlands, hummingbirds Propagation: seeds, cuttings Pruning: after flowering Problems: late frost damage flower buds Comments: Protect from intense afternoon sun and strong winds. They benefit with a 3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, but not against the stems. Water in the summer. Winterhazels offer delightful fragrance, and butter yellow flowers that provide heavenly nectar to hummingbirds when there’s not much out there. They are a positive delight to see and smell during the dark days of winter. During the summer, they still look good with their zigzag stems, appealing shape and simple foliage that turns a brilliant yellow to gold in fall. These are well-behaved plants with little issues, no diseases or bugs. Their only problem is the flowers may become damaged with heavy frost. Another fragrant wonderful winter flowering winterhazel is the buttercup winterhazel (C. pauciflora). This dainty shrub bears smaller flowers and leaves on plants that are only 4-6' tall by 6-8'. It is vase shaped that becomes flat topped with age. It’s very cute. 
Buttercup winterhazel, Corylopsis pauciflora.
Buttercup winterhazel, Corylopsis pauciflora.
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Winterhazels vs Witch Hazels
Winterhazel
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Witch hazel
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Their common names are similar, both are deciduous shrubs, both flower on leafless stems during winter into early spring. An easy way to tell them apart is their flowers as they are totally different. Winterhazel (Corylopsis) blossom are a soft yellow and bell-shaped that hang in drooping clusters. Winterhazel stems are arranged on the plant in a zigzag pattern.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) flowers resemble spiders with long thin petals. Size and colour depend on the variety. Witch hazels grow much larger than winterhazels, up to 20 feet.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) flowers resemble spiders with long thin petals. Size and colour depend on the variety. Witch hazels grow much larger than winterhazels, up to 20 feet.
Witch hazel
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Witch hazel
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