The American Witch Hazel found next to Scarboro Creek below the Visitors Center blooms in late January. It is distinguished at this time of year by four yellow, strapped-shaped, crumpled petals that first appear early in the month. This tall shrub to small tree is found on a variety of habitats in many parts of middle and east Tennessee. It has forked branches, and its leaves resemble American Hazelnut (Corylus americana). The open, dried, capsule-like fruits can be seen on the flowering branches. Its fragrant foliage, twigs, and bark produce an extract that has been used as an astringent and toiletry. Its fruit is eaten by a variety of birds and other wildlife. Two individuals of a related species, Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), are also present next to the Creek. Their reddish to purplish flowers emerge toward the end of January.

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