Hamamelis virginiana, Common witch-hazel
Commonly occurring in nature as an understory tree, common witch-hazel has alternate, simple, leaves with wavy edged margins and uneven leaf bases.
According to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network (ACSA2) a myth of witchcraft held that a forked branch of Witch-hazel could be used to locate underground water. While this may be a myth, the extract of the bark has long been used for medicinal purposes. (Petrides, George A. 1972, Trees and Shrubs of Northeast and North Central US and Southeast and South Central Canada (Peterson Field Guide). Houghton Miflin, 264 pp.)