Persian Parrotia, Persian Ironwood, Persian Irontree
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size as a single-stemmed, tree is 20-40' tall and 15-30' wide, or sometimes wider than tall. Sometimes it grows more as a giant multi-stemmed shrub, w/ an oval-rounded habit of upright, ascending branches, as found in many native stands. Medium growth rate, 10' over 6-8 year period, or twice that with adequate water and fertility.

Native Range

Native to northern Iran & Caucasus. Cultivated since 1840.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are perfect, apetalous, 1/3-1/2" across, w/ crimson stamens, changing to maroon, then yellow as anthers shed their pollen, before leaves, occasionally in late February, or usually in March. Fruits are 2-valved capsules, not showy, containing a single seed per cell, 3/8" long, bright brown. Limited fruit production.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leafs out early. New leaves unfold reddish-purple, becoming lustrous dark green. Leaves alternate, simple, ovate to obovate-oblong, 2.5-5" long & half as wide, toothed on upper half of margin, w/ a short petiole, less than 1/4", & having stipules at base. New leaves of spring are freeze-resistant into the low to mid-twenties. Brilliant yellow to orange to scarlet fall color. One of the latest deciduous trees to develop its fall color. Notable Bark: Young stems brownish and pubescent at first. Bark on older branches (4-8" diameter) exfoliates to expose a gray, green, white, brown mosaic of color.

Culture and Care

Prefers well-drained, loamy, slightly acid soils (pH 6.0-6.5), in full sun or light shade. Will tolerate alkaline soils, drought, heat, wind, cold, soil compaction & limited soil volumes of containers and traffic islands. Zones 5-8. No serious disease or insect problems. Some Japanese beetle damage possible.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

The bark is a welcome asset in the winter landscape. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Author and plantsman, Dr. Michael Dirr, calls this "one of the best small specimen trees that I know," saying, "this is one of my favorite plants."

Suggested Uses

Good in low salt sites as a small lawn or street tree. Excellent specimen plant or accent plant.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA