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Parrotia persica

Image of Parrotia persica

Jesse Saylor

Family

Hamamelidaceae

Botanical Name

Parrotia persica

Plant Common Name

Persian Ironwood

General Description

Persian ironwood is a slow growing tree with beautiful bark and red flowers that appear in mid and late winter. This typically small ornamental tree or large shrub is native to Iran. This deciduous tree has so many attractive features! In late winter, red and brown flowers open before any leaves emerge, lacking any petals but lots of stamens. New foliage unfolds a red or purple and fade to a deep green. In the autumn, these leaves change to an array of gold, orange, even deep pink, and then ending scarlet red. The smooth gray bark flakes off to display white, tan and green blotches.

Persian ironwood requires a full to part sun exposure in a slightly acidic soil. It does equally tolerate chalky and alkaline soil. Grow it as a specimen lawn or street tree, or if pruned to remain in shrub form, in a foundation bed. Provide average to ample water for best growth. Regardless, the pace of growth of this fantastic tree is always slow.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    15'-40' / 4.6m - 12.2m (20)

  • Width

    10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m (15)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Iran

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Very Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Sienna, Chocolate

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Purple, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Red, Orange, Gold, Pink, Rose

  • Bark Color

    White, Light Green, Lime Green, Tan, Gray

  • Bark Color Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Rock Garden / Wall, Street Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No