Hamamelis mollis Oliver CHINESE WITCH HAZEL Native of W. Hubei and Kiangsi, in scrub and woods at 1300-2500 m, flowering in April. First collected in 1879 by Charles Maries near Kinkiang in northern Kiangsi province, and later by Henry and Wilson. Grows to 20ft (6m) tall and is at least as wide. Sweetly scented flowers, about 1in (2.5cm) wide, appear in winter on leafless branches. Leaves usually turn yellow in autumn before falling. It differs from H. japonica in its hairier leaves and wider, not crinkled, petals. Easily cultivated and said to be more lime-tolerant than H. japonica, but best in semi-shade and leafy soil. Hardy to -20°F (-29°C), US zones 5–9.