A relatively tall shrub that is common throughout the eastern U.S. An oil obtained from the leaves, twigs, and bark is used in the production of witch-hazel rubbing lotion and branch forks are used by water diviners (dowsers). Leaves are oval, about 5" with an inequal base and margins are crenate to lobed. Buds are brown, somewhat flattened, and essentially naked with dense yellowish-brown hairs ("winged foot"). Conspicuous yellow flowers are borne in the fall and fruit matures the following year. Fruit is a short, 2-celled woody capsule from which shiny black wingless seeds are forciby ejected. Empty fruit may persist for several years. Bark is thin, smooth to slightly scaly, and brown with horizontal lenticels.