Parrotia persica

Common Name:
Persian ironwood
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Family:
Hamamelidaceae (The Witch Hazel Family)
Geographic Origin:
Middle East
California Native?:
No

Plant Size:
To 15-30 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Foundation plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
Red
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to occasional watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less

Parrotia is an unusual shrub or small tree of the witch hazel family, growing 10-30 feet high. It has attractive tiers of horizontal branches, lined by broad, deeply veined leaves up to 4 inches long. In fall the leaves take on wonderful gold to scarlet shades, which last for several weeks. Small, round heads of petal-less flowers with showy red stamens decorate the bare stems in early spring. A stunning specimen shrub, easily shaped by pruning. Sun, most soils, moderate watering. Hardy to around 0 degrees F.