I can't help you with witch hazel, it just brought another plant to mind that I like in central Iowa: Cornus mas. An old quote about cornus mas is that it rivals witch hazel for beauty of its early bloom. I don't know about that because I don't have any witch hazel. The cornus mas tolerates partial shade, can grow quite tall, perhaps 15' on my 15 year olds. It blooms very early. What I really like about it is its rich foliage which actually seems to produce a sweet smell, attractive bark, and virtual lack of maintenence requirement. It produces a cherry-like fruit which can be delicious but only when they are dead-ripe in my experience. But I suppose that is more than enough regarding a plant you didn't ask about.

I don't know a thing about cornus mas except the ad copy in garden catalogues which is is hardly unbiased. Hmm, sounds interesting. I may have to consider it. I am pondering a border/hedge of edible small fruits such as elderberry, currents, gooseberries (no white pines around) and maybe a plum brake of wild plums. This might work there. Thanks for the info.
Maria

Try tis link.
Paws

Here is a link that might be useful: Witch Hazel