Hamamelidaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Alternate , simple, deciduous leaves, often with stellate (star-shaped) pubescence
• Flowers with 4–5 narrow, strap-shaped petals (often twisted or crinkled) or apetalous
• Fruit a woody, explosively dehiscent capsule
• Often with unusual bloom times — autumn or late winter
• Stipules present, deciduous

Notable Genera

• Hamamelis (witch hazel — 5 species)
• Liquidambar (sweetgum — ~15 species)
• Fothergilla (witch alder — 2 species)
• Parrotia (ironwood)

Notes

Mostly trees and shrubs of warm temperate regions in eastern North America and East Asia, a classic example of disjunct biogeography. Witch hazel extract (from H. virginiana bark and leaves) is a widely used topical astringent. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is an important timber and ornamental tree.