Another beautiful day at the Nature Center. One of our latest blooming flowers, Witch Hazel, began to blossom this week. Look for this indicator of autumn directly adjacent to the NBNC parking lot, on the far side from the building.
To identify Witch Hazel, look for the broadly obovate (egg shaped), alternating leaves, which are asymmetrical at the base, with wavy margins. A popular ornamental plant, Witch Hazel has been revered for its use by "water diviners", who use the branches to locate underground water. More practically, an extract can be obtained from its bark, and mixed with alcohol for use as an astringent.
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