Chinese Parrotia
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

A smaller size than the Persian Parrotia. Average mature size as a single-stemmed, tree is 20-30' tall and 12-25' wide. Sometimes it grows more as a giant multi-stemmed shrub. Medium growth rate.

Native Range

Native to China. Grows in moist habits along streams, in a very limited distribution area. Very rare in cultivation.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers perfect, apetalous, w/ 5 fused sepals but no petals, 1/3-1/2" across, clustered in groups of 4-7, w/ 4-15 crimson-tipped stamens, changing to maroon, then yellow as anthers shed pollen, before leaves, in March. Flowers w/ browhish bracts at base. Fruits are 2-valved capsules, not showy, containing a single seed per cell, 3/8" long, bright brown.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are smaller than those of the Persian Parrotia. New leaves somewhat reddish-purple, becoming lustrous dark green. Leaves alternate, simple, elongate-oval to obovate-oblong, 2-4" long & half as wide, w/ a jagged, serrated margin, & a short petiole. Lanceolate stipules at base of petioles (not present on Persian Parrotia. Brilliant bungundy/red/orange/yellow fall foliage color, which develops later in the autumn. Notable Bark: Young stems brownish and pubescent at first. Bark on older branches exfoliates to expose a gray, green, creamy-white, brown mosaic of color.

Culture and Care

Prefers well-drained, loamy, moist, 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 6-8. No serious disease or insect problems. Some Japanese beetle damage possible.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

The showy bark is a welcome asset in the winter landscape. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. This plant was first described in 1960 as a type of Hamamelis. Then, thanks to DNA sequencing data analysis in 1998, it was finally correctly transferred to the genus, Parrotia. Also known as Shaniodendron subaequale, a now incorrect transitional name.

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