Parrotia: A Great Medium-sized Landscape Tree

Persian ironwood mottled bark

Parrotia (Parrotia persica), aka “Persian ironwood”, is native to Iran, Turkey, and the Caucasus region. Parrotia forms a lovely carefree medium sized lawn or street tree. Tree framework is vase-shaped, initially narrow at the base and flaring out in the canopy as it ages. Mature tree height varies 25-40 feet, depending on location and the seedling or cultivar planted. Rated hardy in USDA  hardiness zone 5, parrotia excels in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7).

Tiny flowers appear in early March and are rarely noticed along its branches. Clusters of ruby red stamens emerge with no petals. In early spring its witchhazel-like foliage starts out reddish-purple and develop into 3-5 inch long leaves. Summer’s lustrous dark green foliage transitions to a blend of yellow, orange and red colors in autumn. Foliage colors are effective for almost a month.

After 12 – 15 years parrotia’s smooth gray bark begins to exfoliate. In subsequent year, a patchwork of green, white, tan and cinnamon unfolds. Prune away lower branches to better catch the striking mosaic bark.

Parrotia is long-lived with no serious insect or disease issues. A two-year established parrotia resists heat, drought, wind, and urban air pollutants. Seasonal leaf colors are more vivid in full to partial (6 hours minimum) sunlight and on a well-drained acidic soil site.

‘Biltmore’ is most popular cultivar which exhibits tall and upright branching. ‘Pendula’ is a spreading weeping mound form only 10-12 feet wide with branch tips which tend to curve upward.

Within the witchhazel family (Hamamelidaceae), besides parrotia and witchhazel (Hamamelis spp.), are such landscape favorites as sweetgum (Liquidambar spp.), fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.) and loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense).

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