Persian Parrotia

Other names

Persian Ironwood

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Iran

Location

Conifer Slope, Mullestein Winter Garden, Zucker Shrub Collection

Source of plant

Edgewood Nursery, Fairweather Gardens, Klyn Nurseries, Ambleside Gardens, Snipes Farm & Nursery, Morris Arboretum, Arborvillage Farm Nursery

Description

Small single-stemmed tree or large multi-stemmed shrub with an oval rounded head of upright ascending branches. Bark on older trees develops an exfoliating gray, green, white, brown color reminiscent of Pinus bungeana; plants are slow to develop the exfoliating characteristic. Fall color brilliant yellow to orange to scarlet; one of the most beautiful trees for foliage effect. Flowers apetalous, borne before the leaves in March-April; the showy part of the flowers are the crimson stamens.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

fall color, notable texture, bark, winter interest