Parrotia persica
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Tried and True Recommended by 6 Professionals
Common Name: Persian ironwood
Type: Tree
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Northern Iran, Caucaus
Garden Location: Bank of America Family Vegetable Garden
Height: 20 to 40 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Description: Red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Air Pollution
Uses: Flowering Tree, Street Tree

Culture

Best grown in average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and a wide range of soil conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Persian ironwood is a small, single trunk, deciduous tree eventually growing 20-40' tall (but typically 10' after 7-8 years) or a large, multi-stemmed shrub growing to 15' tall. Apetulous flowers with dense, red stamens surrounded by brownish bracts appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage. Flowers are attractive on close inspection, but are generally considered to be somewhat insignificant. Oval to oblong leaves (to 4" long) emerge reddish-purple in spring, mature to a lustrous, medium to dark green in summer and change to variable shades of yellow, orange and red in fall. Bark of mature trees exfoliates to show green, white or tan patches beneath and provides good winter interest.

Plant of Merit

More unusual for Midwest landscapes, Parrotia is a small, deciduous tree growing slowly to 20 feet but can mature at 40 feet. Spring leaves are reddish turning to green and providing good yellow, orange to red fall color. The bark is outstanding in winter with alternating green, white and tan patches beneath the outer bark. Grow in medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Tolerant to drought, heat, cold and wind.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Excellent small lawn tree or street tree. Can be incorporated into foundation plantings, particularly in shrub form.

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