Witch Hazel Shrubs - 

The winter flowering Witch Hazel Shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, is a winter flowering shrub that is native to the eastern half of North America. Plant your this late winter to early spring flowering shrub in full to partially shaded areas with rich moist soil. Maturing in the 20 foot range, this yellow flowering plant can be kept pruned to a more compact size of 8 to 10 feet. 

The Witch Hazel plants bright yellow blossoms come only after the leaves have fallen during late fall to early winter. 

Although a great choice plant for the northern facing gardens or woodland landscapes, Witch Hazel have other purposes. The branches have long been used as dowsing rods or divining rods to find underground water sources. The dried leaves are used to make Witch Hazel Liniment which is used for blemishes, reduce bruising, insect bites, varicose veins, and reduces swelling under eyes.