Witch Hazel flowers bloom in late November when other plants are dormant.

Evidence

Because the woods are quiet this time of year without leaves or birds, the buzz of a bee seems inordinately loud. Intrigued, I follow her path—what could bring her out in November? She makes directly for bare branches, which, when I look more closely, are strewn with yellow flowers—Witch Hazel. The flowers are a ragged affair: five long petals, each like a scrap of fading yellow cloth that snagged on the branch, torn strips that wave in the breeze. But, oh are they welcome, a spot of color when months of gray lie ahead. — Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass, 241

Categorization

• CANDY: A surprisingly late-blooming flower with ragged yellow petals makes a charming November nature note.