We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Persian Ironwood?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,006
Share

Persian ironwood, or Parrotia persica, is a deciduous tree that grows 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9.1 m) tall and up to 40 feet (12.2 m) wide and that is known for its autumn foliage display and winter flowers. It is the only species in the genus Parrotia, which belongs to the Hamamelidaceae, or witch-hazel, family. Also known as the Persian parrotia and Persian parrot tree, it is endemic to the northern face of the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran. The tree was named by Karl Meyer, a director of the St. Petersburg botanical garden in the 19th century, in honor of Friedrich Parrot.

The broad leaves of the Persian ironwood measure 2 to 5 inches long (5.1 to 12.7 cm) and up to 2.5 inches (6.4 m) wide. They follow an alternate leaf arrangement and have vibrant color all year round. New leaf growths are reddish-purple in spring, dark green in summer, and finally become dark orange, yellow, or red in fall. This tree is also characterized by a short trunk that forks near the ground. As it matures, the smooth pink-brown bark peels off to reveal gray, green, and brown patches.

Small dark red flowers bloom from January to March on bare stems before the new leaves grow. The flowers of Persian ironwood have no petals, only prominent stamens that create a tassel-like effect. This tree also bears a fruit that looks like a dry woody brown capsule that splits as it matures to reveal two shiny seeds. Propagation is through seeds and cuttings, but germination can take more than a year.

Persian ironwood is generally cultivated for its autumn foliage, red winter fruits, and attractive patterned bark. There are several cultivars available, such as the P. persica horizontalis, P. persica pendula, and P persica Vanessa varieties. Popular as ornamental and garden trees, these varieties are often used as shade and border trees for wide spaces, such as parking lots.

Often considered easy to maintain and transplant, Persian ironwood typically grows well in cool climates, can withstand cold down to -10 ºF (-23.3 ºC), and is tolerant to polluted urban environments. It prefers to be planted in moist, well drained, and slightly acidic soils and located where there is full sun exposure. Regular watering is recommended during the first season of growth so that its root system can become deep and extensive. Its water requirements decrease once it is established. The pruning needs of this tree mainly involve removing crossing branches or those that are growing in unwanted directions.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-persian-ironwood.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.