Witch Hazel vs. Hazelnut: A Tale of Two Different Families
For many, the name 'witch hazel' naturally implies a connection to the hazelnut, creating a common point of confusion. However, the connection is purely superficial, based on a historical naming convention rather than botanical relationship. Understanding this key distinction is the first step in appreciating these two unique plants.
The Botanical Breakdown
- Witch Hazel: This plant belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. This is an ancient family of flowering plants, separate from those that produce common food nuts. The most common variety in North America, Hamamelis virginiana, is a shrub or small tree known for its medicinal properties and late-season flowering.
- Hazelnut: The hazelnut, or filbert, is the edible nut from trees and shrubs in the genus Corylus, which belongs to the Betulaceae (birch) family. This family includes other well-known trees like birches and alders, all of which are biologically distinct from the witch hazel family.
Decoding the Names: A Historical Mix-up
The confusing name for witch hazel comes from a historical misinterpretation rather than a botanical link. The "hazel" part of the name likely arose from its leaves, which closely resemble those of the hazelnut tree. The "witch" portion is thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon word "wych," meaning bendable branch. Early settlers and Native Americans used the pliable branches of witch hazel for dowsing, a practice of using a forked stick to find groundwater.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Witch Hazel vs. Hazelnut
To highlight the differences, this table compares the key features of these two distinct plants.
| Feature | Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) | Hazelnut (Corylus) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Family | Hamamelidaceae | Betulaceae (Birch Family) |
| Primary Product | Astringent extract from leaves and bark | Edible nuts, also called filberts |
| Flowers | Distinctive, yellow, spidery flowers that bloom in late fall or winter | Male flowers are long, yellow catkins; female flowers are small, red, and bud-like, appearing in winter or spring |
| Nuts/Seeds | Woody, capsule-like fruits that explosively eject seeds | Edible nuts with a hard shell, contained within leafy bracts |
| Allergy Risk | Low, unrelated to tree nut allergies, but can cause skin irritation | High, is a recognized tree nut allergen |
| Uses | Skincare products, astringent, medicinal applications | Culinary applications, snacking, baking |
Witch Hazel Characteristics: More Than Just a Name
Beyond its well-known extract, witch hazel is a plant with many interesting characteristics:
- Unique Flowering Season: It is one of the few shrubs that flowers in the late fall or early winter, providing a splash of yellow color when most other plants are dormant.
- Explosive Seeds: The plant produces small, woody seed capsules that, upon ripening, can eject seeds up to 30 feet away, a fascinating method of propagation.
- Medicinal Extracts: Extracts from the bark and leaves are used for their astringent properties in toners, salves, and other topical treatments to soothe skin and reduce inflammation.
Hazelnut Characteristics: The Edible Nut-Bearer
As a food crop, hazelnuts have their own set of noteworthy features:
- Food Source: Hazelnuts are a valuable source of food for both humans and wildlife, including dormice, squirrels, and birds.
- Wind Pollination: Hazelnut flowers rely on wind to carry pollen from the male catkins to the female flowers, with pollination occurring in the winter.
- Nut Development: After pollination, the female flowers develop into edible nuts that mature in late summer and early autumn.
Nut Allergies and Witch Hazel: Addressing the Safety Concern
Given the name similarity, a natural question arises about the safety of witch hazel for individuals with tree nut allergies. Fortunately, since witch hazel and hazelnuts are not related, there is no cross-reactivity between them. The astringent used in skincare products is distilled from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant, not the seeds or nuts of a tree nut.
Is it Completely Risk-Free?
While witch hazel extract is not a tree nut allergen, it's not entirely without risk of an allergic reaction. Like any botanical product, it can cause skin sensitivity or contact dermatitis in some individuals. It's always best practice to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new product widely, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Conclusion
In summary, the notion that witch hazel is a hazelnut is a common myth based on a superficial resemblance. The two are genetically and biologically distinct plants from different botanical families. Witch hazel, from the Hamamelidaceae family, is a medicinal shrub with unique fall flowers, while the hazelnut, from the Betulaceae family, is an edible nut tree. By understanding their true origins, consumers can make informed decisions about their use in gardening, cooking, and healthcare without succumbing to the misconception fostered by a shared name.
