Plant Finder

Other Names:  Persian Ironwood

Description:

A singly excellent small tree with many ornamental attributes; very neat, upright habit of growth, interesting mottled bark and superb blend of fall colors ranging from yellow to orange to red, holding late into fall; very adaptable to diverse conditions

Ornamental Features

Parrotia, Persian has forest green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The serrated oval leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The peeling brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Parrotia, Persian is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Parrotia, Persian is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Parrotia, Persian will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.