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| Witch-hazel blooming in Washington Park Arboretum, February 2017 |
Witch-hazel & Yoga: When you look at these flowers, what does it evoke for you? To me it's a question of trying to embody the energy of Witch-hazel.
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| Tree Pose, standing in front of a Witch-hazel in South Seattle College Arboretum, May 31, 2017 |
Start in Tadasana for several minutes.
Inhaling the energetic essence of Witch-hazel, perhaps an image too.
Exhaling with an awareness of the tight areas throughout your body, releasing them and letting tension melt away.
Open the spine, chest and arms with a vinyasa moving between Tadasana and Uttanasana for several minutes. Each breath corresponding with one movement.
You could continue to warm up with sun salutations if you feel called to do that.
Inhale stepping one leg back into Virabhadrasana II.
Holding for perhaps a minute, reaching out through the inner thighs and arms, continuing to breath.
Continue this pattern of inhaling into new poses, holding for a minute or more: Utthita Parsvokonasana, Utthita Trikonasana.
Inhale opening the body into Utkata Konasana, finding a place of centeredness you can hold for several minutes.
Here you might play with different arm variations while staying very grounded in the lower body, maintaining alignment in the low back and knees. Breathe.
From here inhaling to face the opposite direction to complete Warrior II, Side Angle and Triangle on the other side, utilizing the same pattern of stillness and breath.
Then inhaling back to the center, exhale stepping your feet together, preparing to do some balancing poses, such as Vrksasana.
Inhale bending one knee and lifting it to your chest, continuing the same pattern of holding poses for some time, while breathing: Garudasana, Utthita Hasta Padangustasana, Natarajasana.
Don't forget to do both sides. Don't forget to incorporate whatever movements feel natural for you to do in your own body, listening deeply.
Step back into Mountain Pose and recall the energetic image of Witch-hazel, while releasing the breath to normal. Reflect on if you feel any different, and how.
Research
Botanical genus: Hamamelis (H. x intermedia, H. japonica, H. mollis, H. vernalis, H. virginiana) Family: Hamamelidaceae Common names: Witch-hazel; Japanese name: Mansaku, "rich crop" and "earliest flowering" [2]. Origin: China, Europe, Japan, North America. Natural habitat: moist woods and along streams [2]. General description: Deciduous shrub or small tree up to 30'. Leaves are simple, ovate, margins toothed, base oblique, petioles short. Fall foliage yellow, orange, bronze, red. Flowers appear in short, auxiliary clusters before new growth in the spring, fragrant, 4-maris, 2cm, petals linear and crumpled in the bud- kind of look like spiders, yellow, orange, red. The flowers attract butterflies! Fruit is 2-parted with two black seeds that are explosively released when ripe [1]. Slow growing, it takes about six years to flower from seed [5]. Cultural Requirements: Sun-part shade, moist, acidic soil-woodland conditions [1]; prefers a sandy-loam [5]. Needs a winter chill to achieve full flowering, yet also protection from frost once the sap starts to rise, such as with mulch [2]. Needs summer irrigation, especially to establish young plants [2]. They can become stressed by drought or scorching sun [7]. Zone 5 (although H. vernalis is hardy to zone 4, and H. virginiana is hardy to zone 3) [1]. Propagation: by seed, a specific process of cold and warm stratification followed by scarification; also softwood cuttings may be taken in summer [5]. WSU Extension recommends tip layering over a one year period [7]. Pruning: OSU Extension classifies Witch-hazel as a "tree-like" and recommends light, selective pruning, never removing more than 1/8 of the total leaf surface in one year. Otherwise you may stress them or cause watersprouts [8].
Herbal Medicine: Astringent, Hemostatic, Homeopathic, Sedative, Tonic (H. virginiana). Popular ingredient in eye drops, skin creams, ointments and skin tonics; used externally for bruises, sore muscles, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, sore nipples and inflammations [5]. Internally used to treat diarrhea, colitis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, internal bleeding, prolapsed organs [5]. A homeopathic remedy made from bark is used to treat nosebleeds and varicose veins [5]. Native Americans traditionally made a decoction of twigs and bark for treating cuts and bruises, or as a salve to treat sore eyes [2, 5]. Wildcrafting: bark and twigs are harvested in the spring, and leaves harvested in the summer [5]. Contraindications: Avoid long term use from cancer risk due to high tannin content; avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding; internal use may cause vomiting and nausea; external use may cause dermititis [5]. Witch-hazel water made from steam distillate does not contain tannins (although is less effective) [5]. Other uses: flowers used in traditional tea ceremonies, and branches used to make rafts, baskets and shelves (Japan); branches used as divining rods by American colonists [2]. The wood is heavy, hard and close-grained [5].
Plant Health Care/Integrated Pest Management: Generally free of insects and diseases [1], however there may be some associated problems in special cases. Abiotic problems in Western Washington: as already mentioned, Witch-hazel may become stressed by drought. Although by most accounts, Witch-hazel is considered drought-tolerant once established. Therefore provide supplemental irrigation to young trees, particularly during summer drought. And as already mentioned, Witch-hazel has a low pruning budget, so use a light hand. Biotic problems in Western Washington: Insect problems:Witch-hazel root weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus, O. singularis, O. ovatus): small, dark, nocturnal beetles with a snout ("rostrum"), elbowed antennae, slow moving and cannot fly [10]. Upon feeding they leave ragged notches on the edges of leaves or flower petals [4] -- symptoms of pest presence. This type of insect damage is usually considered "aesthetic" and noninjurious to the health of the plant. During the day adult root weevils remain in soil or in debris at the base of the plant [10]. Look for them at night with a flashlight for a clear sign of pest presence [6]. Life cycle: Eggs are laid in soil at the base of the plants 4-6 weeks after the adults have emerged, and one adult female may lay 500 eggs [11]. From eggs they develop into larvae, in the soil, over a period of 2-8 months [11]. The larvae are C-shaped, legless, white-reddish with tan heads, and half an inch long [10]. The larvae overwinter in the soil, form pupae in the spring [11] and emerge as adults in May/June [6]. Pest management: although the adults are merely "aesthetically damaging", larvae can cause more harm by feeding on roots, and may cause girdling [10]. With adults, you can dislodge and capture them into a pitfall trap or simply hand remove them [10]. One cultural control method is to plant cereal cover crop around the base of the tree, because these crops are not a recorded host of root weevils [10]. Also placing oak leaves at the base of the tree may attract ground foraging birds [10]. To manage the larvae, you can apply beneficial nematodes via soil drench (on soils above 52 degrees, in the fall) -- which is a biological control strategy [6]. If cultural, mechanical and biological control strategies don't work, and notched leaves or larval feeding become intolerable -- chemical management is an option. Spray the adults when they first emerge in May/June, or spray larvae in the fall with: acephate, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin. Be aware that applying chemical pesticides may be just as damaging and therefore counterproductive. Acephate is an organophosphate, target insecticide [12]. It affects the nervous system and is classified as "a possible human carcinogen", while also being "moderately" toxic to birds, "slightly toxic" to amphibians and fish, and "highly toxic" to bees/beneficial insects [12]. It's half life ranges from 4.5-32 days [12]. Bifenthrin is also an insecticide that affects the nervous system; it is derived from pyrethrin, which comes from chrysanthemum flowers [13]. It is also classified as a "possible human carcinogen" and is "highly toxic" to fish and bees [13]. Cyfluthrin is also in the pyrethroid family [14]. It has a high risk of run-off and is highly toxic to bees [14]. For organic chemical control you can use: Beauveria bassiana, or azadirachtin neem extract [10]. Beauveria bassiana (Bb)is considered an "environmentally friendly mycoinsecticide" - a fungi that infects insects. The sexual stage has been identified as Cordyceps bassiana [15]. It has a wide host range of over 700 species [15]! In China, approximately one million hectares a year are treated with Bb to control forest insects [15]. Neem oil has been used for hundreds of years to control pests and diseases; Azadirachtin is the most active component [16]. It reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It also interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs [16]. Although neem oil is made of fatty acids, essential oils and other substances that are commonly eaten in a normal diet, Azadirachtin can be very irritating to the skin and stomach [16]. Azadirachtin has a half life in soil from 3 - 44 days [16]. By comparison to the other chemical options, Azadirachtin is nontoxic to birds and bees, and "slightly toxic" to fish [16]. Disease problems: Witch-hazel may be a host for Phytophthera ramorum, which causes symptoms of "Sudden Oak Death"[3], cankers, leaf blights and shoot dieback - depending on the species [9]. It is a "fungus-like" spore-producing plant pathogen related to algae [17]. Life cycle: P. ramorum thrives in cool, moist areas and primarily acts as a leaf pathogen [17] as compared to other Phytophthera that are soil dwelling [17]. It is vectored through through water, wind-driven rain, plant material, or human activity [17]. Trees growing in a mixed woodland or forest environment seem more likely to become infected by P. ramorum than plants in a residential setting [17]. Because P. ramorum is rarely fatal to non-Oak hosts (like Witch-hazel), the disease is sometimes referred to as Ramorum blight [17]. If there is a concern for Phytophthera, note that proper identification of P. ramorum requires lab work (although even in a lab it can be difficult to detect) and may require sensitive molecular techniques to detect DNA [9]. You can send in foliar samples to a lab, collecting 10 symptomatic leaves [17]. Disease management: Once P. ramorum infects plants, there is no cure [17]. therefore prevention is the best medicine. Be careful when buying new plants from a nursery - inspect the leaves for symptoms, or if you are really concerned, you can quarantine your plant for 8 weeks in a moist environment to see if symptoms develop [17]. In general, avoid over-irrigation or planting in poorly draining sites [9] because the organisms are only active at or above field capacity. Similarly avoid situating Witch-hazels near plants that need more irrigation [9] so they aren't unnecessarily irrigated. Although common sense, avoid planting in a site where the soil is already contaminated with P. ramorum. However if the ground is already contaminated you can solarize the soil, apply steam heat for thirty minutes, or apply fertilizer regimes to reduce pH - although if there are surrounding plants, you must simultaneously apply foliar fertilizers to make up for the root uptake loss (9). It might be wise to alter the soil conditions like that only in cases of complete renovation where there are not existing plants. Another preventative measure for the very concerned is to apply the phosphonate fungicide, Agri-Fos - which is really only recommended for high value Oak trees, and only if infected host plants are nearby [17]. Booster treatments must be made every 1-2 years [17]. An alternative is to plant Witch-hazels with plants that are reportedly resistant to P. ramorum such as some cultivars of rhododendron and Douglas fir [9]. Again, if you have any concerns for Phytophthera in your landscape, you might be less concerned for your Witch-hazel, and more concerned with any Oak trees. This is because P. ramorum acts as a blight on Witch-hazel, so the damage is more aesthetic in nature. Other problems: WSU Extension recommends protecting very young trees from browsing deer by constructing barriers [7].
Additional notes: H. x intermedia is a hybrid between H. japonica and H. mollis [2]. There are more than a hundred cultivars today [2].
Bibliography:
[1] "Hamamelis." OSU Landscape Plants, May 9, 2017. https://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/2plants.htm#hamamelis
[2] Nickel, Earl. "Witch Hazel: Queen of Winter." Pacific Horticulture. October 2008. May 9, 2017. http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/witch-hazel-queen-of-winter/
[3] "APHIS List of Regulated Hosts and Plants Proven or Associated with Phytophthora ramorum." Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook. January 2005. May 9, 2017. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/pathogens-common-many-plants/oomycetes/aphis-list-regulated-hosts
[4] "Witch-hazel (Hamamelis)- Root Weevil." Pacific Northwest Handbooks. May 9, 2017. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/witch-hazel-hamamelis-root-weevil
[5] L. "Hamamelis virginiana." Plants for a Future. May 9, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hamamelis+virginiana
[6] "Common Insects, Mites & Vertebrates: Root Weevils." WSU Hortsense. April 30, 2013. May 15, 2017. http://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/Public/FactsheetWeb.aspx?ProblemId=6026
[7] "Witchhazels." WSU Extension. Mar 23, 2002. May 20, 2017. http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/.../03-24-02-Witchhazels.doc
[8] "Pruning Basics." OSU Extension. 2012. May 20, 2017. http://http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn/sites/default/files/pruning_pub_handout2012.pdf
[9] "Diagnosis and Control of Phytophthera Diseases." Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook. May 20, 2017. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/common/oomycetes/diagnosis-control-phytophthora-diseases
[10] "Landscape Pests: Root Weevil." Pacific Northwest Plant Pest Management Handbook. May 20, 2017. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-root-weevil
[11] "Seasonal development and life cycle - weevils." UC IPM. May 22, 2017. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/LIFECYCLES/lcblvineweevil.html
[12] Christiansen, A.; Gervais, J.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2011. Acephate General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/acephagen.html.
[13] Johnson, M.; Luukinen, B.; Gervais, J.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2010. Bifenthrin General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/bifgen.html.
[14] "Active ingredient: Cyfluthrin." UC IPM: Pesticide Information. May 22, 2017. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/PNAI/pnaishow.php?id=25
[15]
[16] Bond, C.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2012. Neem Oil General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html.
[17] J. M. Alexander, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin Co.; and S. V. Swain, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin Co. "Sudden Oak Death." UC IPM: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes. Sep 2010. May 23, 2017. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74151.html
[17] J. M. Alexander, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin Co.; and S. V. Swain, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin Co. "Sudden Oak Death." UC IPM: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes. Sep 2010. May 23, 2017. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74151.html
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