Persian parrotia, Persian ironwood

Light: full sun to part shade

Height: 20-40 feet

Spread: 15-30 feet

Hardiness: Zones 5-8

Origin: Iran

The Persian parrotia or Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a lovely medium-sized tree that looks interesting year-round.

The trunk is relatively short and branches grow just inches from the ground. Mature trees have dappled bark with spots of white, green and gray.

The parrotia has simple leaves with smooth-toothed edges. In the spring, the leaves emerge with a burgundy purple color and they mature to a glossy dark green. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.

Persian parrotia is related to witch hazel; both are in the Hamamelidaceae family. In the early spring, the parrotia tree will grow very small flowers that look similar to witch hazel flowers, but without the fringelike petals.

Parrotias make a nice addition to the yard, either as a single specimen in the lawn or as part of a mixed garden border. This tree is intolerant of wet soils and salty soils.

See the colorful fall foliage of the Persian parrotia near the Crane Ornamental Grass and Conifer Collection at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold, Franklin Park Conservatory