witch hazel

 
(also wych hazel)

noun

  • a shrub with fragrant yellow flowers which is widely grown as an ornamental. American species flower in autumn and Asian species in winter.
    • Genus Hamamelis, family Hamamelidaceae: several species, especially H. virginiana, which is the source of the lotion
  • [mass noun] an astringent lotion made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel.

Origin:

mid 16th century: witch, variant of wych (see wych elm)