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Glite Dictionary
vernal witch hazel

vernal witch hazel

9.9
A small fragrant shrub from the lower Mississippi valley with tiny flowers that bloom in winter and spring
  • noun
  • /ˈvɜrnəl wɪtʃ ˈheɪzl/
  • US
translation icon : hamamelis vernal
  • The vernal witch hazel blooms when most other plants are still dormant during winter.

Examples

  • Native to the lower Mississippi valley, vernal witch hazel thrives in moist, well-drained soils.

  • Gardeners appreciate vernal witch hazel for its delicate, fragrant flowers in early spring.

  • The vernal witch hazel blooms early in the year.

  • Many gardeners love the vernal witch hazel for its fragrance.

  • Gardeners appreciate vernal witch hazel for its delicate, fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring.

  • The vernal witch hazel, known for its small blooms, adds beauty to gardens during the late winter months.

  • In the lower Mississippi valley, vernal witch hazel is celebrated for its fragrant blossoms appearing from midwinter to spring.

Synonyms

Hamamelis vernalis
vsvernal witch hazel
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fragrant bush with bright yellow flowers that bloom from late winter to spring

is the common name used for the same fragrant shrub

Surface Forms

vernal witch hazel singular
vernal witch hazels plural

Morphology

vernal + witch + hazel

The adjective 'vernal' clearly signals a spring-related quality and 'hazel' identifies a shrub/tree, so a learner who knows those words can infer this refers to a hazel-like shrub associated with spring. However, 'witch hazel' is a conventionalized plant name where 'witch' is non-literal and the specific botanical sense (Hamamelis vernalis, fragrant small flowers blooming in late winter/early spring) cannot be fully derived from the parts, so the meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Vernal witch hazel joins two words: vernal means 'spring' and witch hazel is the old name for the shrub. One popular story says people used the plant's bendy branches for 'witching' to try to find water. Because this shrub blooms very early, the full name simply tells you it is a witch hazel that flowers in 'spring'.