NATIVE PLANT OF THE WEEK⁠ Ozark Witchhazel — Hamamelis vernalis⁠ ⁠ When winter stretches long and landscapes feel quiet, there’s one native shrub that quietly defies the season: Ozark witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis). This native of the gravelly streambanks of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma bursts into fragrant bloom from January through March — well before most other plants wake up. ⁠ ⁠ 🌿 At a Glance⁠ • Small clusters of spidery flowers with ribbon-like petals and a sweet-spicy scent that carry through the coldest months. ⁠ ⁠ • Reaches about 10–12 feet tall, with striking yellow fall foliage that often persists into winter. ⁠ ⁠ • Spreads by suckers and can form colonies — easy to manage if you remove unwanted shoots. ⁠ ⁠ 🌱 Growing It⁠ • Thrives in full sun to part shade⁠ • Prefers moist soils but adapts to clay, dry, rocky, or even poorly drained sites⁠ • Minimal pest and disease issues; generally deer-resistant⁠ ⁠ 🌼 Use in the Garden⁠ • Naturalized plantings⁠ • Rain gardens⁠ •...