Persian Ironwood

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a deciduous tree in the witch hazel family, native to northern Iran and the Caucasus, grown chiefly for its outstanding autumn display in shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. It is exceptionally hardy and adaptable, with few pest or disease problems.

In late winter, before the leaves, it produces small spidery clusters of crimson-stamened flowers. With age its smooth gray bark exfoliates into a striking patchwork of green, tan and cream, adding strong winter interest. It is slow-growing, often reaching 20-40 ft.

• Habit: Slow-growing, often multi-stemmed tree 20-40 ft, with a rounded to wide-spreading crown.
• Flowers: Petal-less clusters of red stamens on bare twigs in late winter to early spring.
• Leaves: Oval, wavy-margined, witch-hazel-like, glossy green turning brilliant yellow-orange-red-purple in fall.
• Bark: Smooth gray that exfoliates with age into a mottled green, white and tan jigsaw pattern.
• Form: Some cultivars upright ('Vanessa'), others wide and low.

Light: Full sun gives the best fall color; tolerates partial shade.

Water: Moderate; water weekly when young, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil: Adaptable, well-drained loam; prefers slightly acidic but tolerates clay and alkaline soils.

Temperature: Hardy USDA zones 4-8.

Feeding: Rarely necessary; mulch and occasional spring feeding suffice.

Pruning/Propagation: Minimal pruning; can be limbed up to show bark. Propagate by cuttings or seed (slow to germinate).

Native to the Alborz Mountains and Caspian forests of northern Iran (Persia) and the Caucasus, where it grows in humid temperate broadleaf woodland, sometimes forming dense thickets.

It is a relict of an ancient forest flora. In cultivation it is grown as an ornamental across temperate North America, Europe and Asia in zones 4-8.