Witch-hazel

Witch-hazel is a deciduous shrub with feathery yellow flowers that appear in late winter. It flourishes at higher elevations in Mexico and in the temperature climates of eastern North America. The name witch-hazel arises from the ancient custom of using branches as divining rods to find underground sources of water, a practice known as water witching. Extracts made from the bark, twigs, and leaves are used even today as astringents and to soothe skin irritations.