The strappy yellow petals of this Japanese witch-hazel brighten up this winter day, the first week of January 2026. This Hamamelis japonica, its scientific name, started blooming in December and now in January the tree is turning a vibrant yellow.

I photographed this particular tree growing in a minipark in Vancouver’s West End, the blossoms on January 1 and the whole tree on January 4.

Witch-hazel trees are in Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family.

Although the yellow blossoms are evident, the dead leaves are staying on the tree, making everything look brown. In front on the left are purple beautyberry clusters, scientific name Callicarpa bodinieri. Also appealing and adding colour to these plants in January.