The Hamamelis genus includes 8 species, originating from North America and East Asia. The foliage is deciduous and oval-shaped, dark green in spring and yellow to red in autumn. It blooms at a time when few other plants do—already around Christmas in mild climates, their flowers appear on branches from the previous year. These same branches can be used to scent rooms if placed in a vase. It requires fertile, compact, acidic or neutral soil, does not tolerate drought, and is usually planted close to houses.