Dwarf witch-alder

Fothergilla gardenii

Also known as Witch-alder shrub, Fothergilla alnifolia var. acuta, Hamamelis estivalis, Fothergilla alnifolia

Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Native Shrub · Fall Color · Spring Flowers · Pollinator · Understory · Acidic Soil · Southeastern Us · Deciduous Shrub · Witch-Alder · Hamamelidaceae

Dwarf witch-alder is a compact native shrub prized for its fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, and its outstanding red-to-orange fall foliage. It prefers acidic, organically rich, consistently moist soil and performs best in partial shade, making it an excellent understory shrub. Once established it is relatively low-maintenance; simply add a layer of acidic mulch each year and avoid overwatering.