Hamamelis virginiana  (American witch-hazel)

This beautiful tree of the subcanopy is quite unusual in that it flowers in the late fall, giving some color to the autumn woods. The fragrant wrinkly flowers are bright yellow, with 4 thin petals about 1/2 in. long. The blooming period is from middle of October to early December. The tree is pollinated by various insects, including wasps, beetles, bees, and owlet moths.

Sepals remain after flowering and take a year to fully fruit. When matured, the fruit capsules split open and expel seeds that are eaten by various birds.