Hamamelidaceae -- comments
Comments: A variable and probably paraphyletic assemblage of trees & shrubs. Flowers range from insect-pollinated showy flowers with petals to wind-pollinated with reduced or absent perianth.
Unifying characters relative to others of the Hamamelidae: the 2 basally-fused carpels and woody capsular fruit. Members include Hamamelis (witch hazel extract from dried leaves and twigs of H. virginiana), Liquidambar (sweet gum), Fothergilla (witch-alder), Corylopsis, and more.
Several genera are used for lumber.