Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as Persian Ironwood, is a deciduous tree that is native to the regions of Iran. It is admired for its stunning beauty and ornamental value and is named after Freidrich Parrot who first discovered it in the 19^th century. Parrotia persica was introduced to Britain in 1977 by Fliegner and Simmons from the Elburz Mountains of N. Iran.

One of the most striking features of Parrotia persica is its foliage. The alternate leaves are ovoid and elliptical in shape, with a slightly leathery texture and serrated margins. When they first appear, they have a red undertone, then transition to a deep green with a lighter green on the underside. As the season progresses, the tree brings one of the finest autumnal displays to be seen, with its vibrant hues of luminous yellow-golds, orange reds and violet tones. This fiery display makes the tree a popular choice for adding autumn interest to any setting.

The bark is equally impressive. Its smooth grey-brown in colour and as it matures it peels away in patches, similar to the Platanus hispanica. This reveals a tapestry of vibrant cream, yellow and green colours. Its texture and colouration make it a standout specimen during the winter months when other trees are bare.

Persian Ironwood is relatively low maintenance and adapts well to a variety of soil types. Its hardiness makes it a perfect tree for the British climate and its year-round visual interest brings a touch of elegance and beauty to any landscape.