Witch Hazel

The roots of its name lie in the Greek words ''Hama'' (together) and ''mélis'' (apple). Its name is probably explained by the fact that Witch Hazel lives in small, tightly-woven groups near fruit trees, such as apples, and other species in a soft, peaceful environment. Witch hazel is used by many peoples around the world. Among the native peoples of southern Quebec, it was used to make bow strings and for its medicinal properties. For their part, the colonists used it to make all kinds of products such as brooms and other everyday objects.

It's a large shrub with flexible wood and slightly twisted branches. It grows in groves because it likes to be surrounded by its own kind. Witch hazel is best known for its distinctive bloom: a small, yellow flower with four twisted petals, lightly scented. It blooms in the last months of autumn. When most of the forest's inhabitants have gone to sleep for the winter, Witch Hazel offers us one last little bit of beauty to embellish the months of October and November.

This shrub represents cooperation and empathy.