Parrotia persica, Persian parrotia, ironwood
1 / 14
Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Parrotia persica

Persian parrotia, ironwood

Hamamelidaceae

Alborz Mountain range of northern Iran and the southern and southwestern shores of the Caspian Sea; mixed deciduous forests; sole species in the genus

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height20–40 feet (6–12 m)
Width15–30 feet (4.5–9 m)
Maturity17 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A deciduous large shrub or small to medium tree reaching 20–40 feet (6–12 m) tall and 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) wide, native to northern Iran and one of the finest four-season ornamental trees for Pacific Northwest gardens. Leaves oval with wavy margins, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, emerging with reddish-purple tints, maturing to glossy dark green, then turning spectacular combinations of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy in fall simultaneously. Late-winter (January–March) flowers are clusters of tiny red stamens on bare branches. Mature specimens develop exfoliating bark in mosaic patches of gray, cream, green, and cinnamon. Extremely adaptable and low-maintenance. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.

Native Range

Parrotia persica is native to the forests of the Alborz Mountain range of northern Iran, growing in mixed deciduous forests near the Caspian Sea. The sole species in the genus, it is a member of Hamamelidaceae. Named for the German naturalist F.W. Parrot.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, lawn tree, or small street tree at 15–25 foot (4.5–7.5 m) spacing. The four-season interest — late-winter red flowers, red-tinted spring emergence, glossy summer foliage, spectacular multi-color fall display, and exfoliating winter bark — makes Parrotia persica one of the most rewarding ornamental trees for Pacific Northwest gardens. Extremely adaptable and low-maintenance. Underused relative to its outstanding qualities.

How to Identify

Identified by the oval leaves with distinctive wavy, irregular margins 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, emerging red-purple in spring; clusters of tiny red stamens (no petals) on bare branches in January–March; spectacular multi-color fall foliage with yellow, orange, red, and burgundy simultaneously; and on mature specimens, exfoliating bark creating mosaic patches of gray, cream, green, and cinnamon. Related to Hamamelis (witch hazel) — distinguished by wavy-margined leaves and all-red petal-less flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 17 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green
red

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange
red
burgundy

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Winter
Produces tiny flowers in January–March on bare branches — clusters of red stamens without petals, 0.5 inch (12 mm) across, appearing before leaves. Subtle at distance but noticeable at close range; an early-season nectar source. Primary ornamental seasons are fall foliage (October–November) and winter exfoliating bark.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Tiny clusters of red stamens without petals, 0.5 inch (12 mm) across, on bare branches in January–March; subtle close-up but early-season interest

Foliage Description

Oval with wavy irregular-toothed margins, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long; emerging with reddish-purple tints in spring; maturing to glossy dark green; spectacular yellow, orange, red, and burgundy simultaneously in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15–20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Extremely adaptable — tolerates clay, loam, sand, acidic or alkaline soils, and urban conditions. Space 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. Very low maintenance — no significant pest or disease problems in Pacific Northwest conditions.

Pruning

Requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. To develop as a single-trunked tree, remove lower branches and competing leaders when young. The exfoliating bark on the lower trunk and main branches develops most prominently on multi-stemmed specimens.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic