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Winter Hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)

Description

Best grown in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates average garden soils, but not unamended heavy clays. Plant may not be reliably winter hardy throughout the St. Louis area where it should be sited in a sheltered location. Flower buds are susceptible to damage from early spring frosts.Corylopsis sinensis, commonly called fragrant winter hazel, is native to western China. It is a spreading, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 10-15- tall and features drooping clusters (racemes to 1-2- long) of mildly fragrant yellow-green flowers with orange anthers in early spring. Flower stamens are shorter than the petals. Fruits are pubescent capsules each containing two small seeds. Obovate, pointed, dark green leaves (to 4- long) are glaucous beneath. Leaves turn variable but usually unexceptional shades of yellow in fall. Synonymous with Corylopsis willmottiae. Corylopsis is closely related to and in the same family as witch hazel (Hamamelis).

Taxonomic tree

  • Domain: Eukarya

    • Kingdom: Plantae

      • Phylum: Magnoliophyta

        • Class: Magnoliopsida

          • Order: Saxifragales

            • Family: Hamamelidaceae

              • Genus: Corylopsis