Persian Parrotia (sometimes known as Ironwood) is a small, single trunk, deciduous tree eventually growing 20-40′ tall. Apetulous flowers with dense, red stamens surrounded by brownish bracts appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage. Flowers are attractive on close inspection, but are generally considered to be somewhat insignificant. Oval to oblong leaves (to 4″ long) emerge reddish-purple in spring, mature to a lustrous, medium to dark green in summer and change to variable shades of yellow, orange and red in fall. Bark of mature trees exfoliates to show green, white or tan patches beneath and provides good winter interest. It makes an excellent small lawn tree or street tree and can be incorporated into foundation plantings, particularly in shrub form.
