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Genus Parrotia (Persian ironwood)

Parrotia persica Photo/Illustration: Andrew Bunting

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Common Name: Persian ironwood

Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood) is the only species in this genus; it comes from the forests of the Caucasus and northern Iran. This deciduous tree has rich green leaves that turn shades of orange and red in the fall. Its peeling bark gives the tree additional interest, especially in the winter, and its petalless flowers are bright red and appear before leaf-out. Excellent as a specimen tree or in a woodland setting.
Noteworthy characteristics: Good autumn color, peeling bark, interesting flowers.
Care: For best autumn color, Parrotia should be grown in acidic soil. Likes deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Prune when dormant by removing wayward or crossing branches.
Propagation: Sow seed in an cold frame in the fall. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer and late summer.
Problems: Generally trouble-free.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Parrotia

Parrotia persica
(Persian parrotia tree, Persian ironweed)

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Hardiness Zones:

Parrotia persica has one of the most beautiful foliage displays, in addition to year-round eye appeal and ease of maintenance. Reddish-purple when unfolding in spring, the leaves are a lustrous dark green in summer, and yellow to orange or scarlet in fall. Leaves hold their color for a long period. Older branches and trunks develop an exfoliating gray, green, white, and brown color that is a welcome asset in the winter garden. It grows successfully in Zones 4 to 8, tolerates sun and partial shade, and is easy to transplant. Often, vegetatively propogated forms offer more reliable fall color.