Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica is the only species in the genus. It's worth having, but take the time to plant it in the right landscape location.

The tree is native to the forest regions south and southwest of the Caspian Sea. It was first introduced to Kew Gardens from St. Petersburg and a number of those early collections are still alive in England.

This deciduous, slow-growing large shrub or tree grows 40 feet high and has a smooth gray, flaking bark, much like the plane tree (Platanus). As the tree ages, branches spread horizontally. Younger twigs may have more hairs and the tree becomes increasingly distinguished with age, since branches seem to overarch and crisscross.

It's an ideal specimen tree, but needs a location where its domed shape can be appreciated. It's also nice to take advantage of the beautiful coral-pink to rich-red clusters of anthers, which arrive well before leaf emergence in spring. This red haze coloration is particularly nice in the sunshine.

Fall beauty

Alternate leaves are strongly veined and sometimes have red-tinged new growth. Leaf tops are bright green while the bottoms are paler, often with hairs. Ironwood tree puts on a great show in autumn, with its foliage turning rich-crimson, yellow and orange. Few trees have more brilliant autumn color.

The tree tolerates sun and partial shade and prefers a well-drained loamy soil, preferably on the acidic side. However, it seems to do well in neutral soils and it even seems to tolerate harsh urban sites.

Flowers are borne in dense clusters and subtended by bracts. They have no petals, only colorful stamens. The fruit is a two-parted capsule with one seed per capsule.

Shape a little

The trees usually require little or no pruning. However, if you are going to produce them for use as specimen plants, it's best to train them up on about a 6-foot standard stem. This will give it a great shape as it matures.

It's easily propagated by seed, but the seeds need to go through a cool, moist storage. Germination is slow, sometimes taking up to 18 months.

Softwood cuttings also root easily when new spring growth is taken as it is hardening. Use a rooting hormone and mist.

- John A. Wott, Director, Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle

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Specifics

Name: Parrotia persica

Common name: Ironwood tree, irontree.

Family: Hamamelidaceae.

Description: Deciduous, dome-shaped shrub or tree reaching 40 feet. Bark is smooth, gray and flaking. Pink to red petal-less flowers appear in spring before leaves emerge. Fall color is dramatic, ranging from crimson to bright yellow.

Landscape uses: Good specimen, but place where flowers and its dome shape can be appreciated.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4 or 5 to 8.

Propagation: Seeds germinate readily but slowly and require cool, moist storage. Softwood cuttings root easily if given rooting hormones and mist.

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Photos by Joy Spurr