Witch hazel: The Halloween tree.

The article focuses on the American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a small deciduous tree native to the eastern U.S., notable for its unique late-autumn blooming and seed dispersal mechanism. Witch hazel flowers in October with distinctive yellow petals and produces seed pods that explosively eject seeds up to 40 feet away, aiding in propagation. The plant is also recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly as an FDA-approved, plant-based astringent used to treat bruises, insect bites, and minor cuts. Additionally, the article details the presence of gall wasps that induce characteristic galls on witch hazel leaves. Separate from this, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife plans to release 14,400 ring-necked pheasants at various public hunting areas across Ohio during late October and November to support hunting activities.