The first time you see a Persian ironwood tree (Parrotia persica), you might think it would be better called a shrub. It is a tree that grows with many trunks and doesn’t get to a towering height, making it a good choice for smaller gardens.
Persian ironwood offers year-round interest with showy red flowers in spring and lovely, exfoliating bark on display in winter. Read on for more Persian ironwood facts, including tips on how to care for the tree.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Parrotia persica, the Persian ironwood, is a deciduous tree in the family Hamamelidaceae, closely related to the witch-hazel genus Hamamelis. It is native to Iran’s Caspian region (where it is called انجیلی anjili) and Azerbaijan (where it is called Dəmirağacı). It is endemic in the Alborz mountains, where it is found mainly in Golestan National Park.
The species was named by Carl Anton von Meyer to honor his predecessor at the University of Dorpat, German naturalist Georg Friedrich Parrot., who botanized in the Alborz on a mountaineering expedition in the 1830s.
Another species Parrotia subaequalis (commonly called Chinese ironwood) originates from eastern China. There are five disjunct populations of P. subaequalis in eastern China: two each in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces (Huang et al. 2005) and one in Anhui (Shao and Fang 2004). A full account of this sibling species can be found in an article “The Chinese Parrotia: A Sibling Species of the Persian Parrotia” by Jianhua Li and Peter Del Tredici.
This species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN (under its former name of Shaniodendron subaequale, which is no longer an accepted name for the species). P. subaequalis is also considered critically endangered (Grade I Key protected Wild Plant) in the China Red Data Book, with a very narrow distribution range. The five known relict populations of P. subaequalis comprise no more than 100 reproductive individuals. Therefore, this species has high conservation priority.
Parrotia persica grows swiftly when young, maturing in gardens to 30 m (98 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) broad, multi-stemmed and naturally somewhat congested but prunable to a single trunk up to 150 cm (59 in) in diameter. The bark is smooth, pinkish-brown flaking/peeling to leave a mosaic of cinnamon, pink, green, and pale yellow patches in a similar manner to plane trees. The leaves are alternate, ovoid, often slightly lop-sided, 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 4–10 cm (2–4 in) across, with wavy margins; they are glossy green, turning in autumn to a rich purple to orange and brilliant red, often on the same tree.
The flowers are somewhat similar to witch-hazel flowers but dark red; they are likewise produced in late winter on bare stems, but differ in having only four rounded sepals with no petals; the stamens are however fairly conspicuous, forming a dense red cluster 3–4 mm (1⁄8–3⁄16 in) across. The fruit is a two-parted capsule containing two seeds, one in each half.
Parrotia persica is cultivated as an ornamental tree for its brilliant autumn colour and the smooth, patterned bark. As an uncommon, drought-tolerant garden tree of moderate size, it is prized for its striking autumn color and the exfoliating bark that develops on mature specimens.
II. How to Grow and Care
Watering and Soil
- Water your Parrotia persica tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet.
- Provide mulch around the tree’s base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Fertilizing
Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Planting Instructions
Parrotia Persica can be planted during the springtime when the temperature ranges from 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to amend your soil before planting. Water regularly until the plant is established.
When planting Parrotia Persica, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the rootball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil, making sure to press down gently to remove any air pockets. Water deeply after planting and mulch around the plant to help keep moisture in the ground. With proper care and a suitable climate, your Parrotia Persica should be a beautiful addition to your garden.
Pruning
Pruning a Persian ironwood tree is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp pruning shears to cut branches back to lateral buds. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle above the bud, angling away from the trunk. Always clean and disinfect your pruning tools after each use with a household cleaner or rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.
Overwintering
This tree may benefit from winter protection, such as a burlap wrap or a plastic tree guard if you live in an area with cold winters.
Pests and Diseases
Parrotia persica is a plant that is susceptible to a number of problems, chief among them being pests and diseases.
Pests commonly affecting Parrotia persica include aphids, scales, nematodes, and beetles. These can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and branches. In addition, Parrotia persica is also susceptible to several diseases, such as bacterial canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These problems can cause significant damage to the plant and may lead to its death.
To prevent these issues, it is important to provide adequate care and nutrition for the plant and regularly inspect the plant for signs of damage or disease. If any injury or disease is found, it is important to take immediate action to prevent the further spread or death of the plant.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Benefits of Parrotia Persica include its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. It is also a source of vitamin C and other nutrients. It has been used as a traditional remedy in Iran for centuries to treat various illnesses, including colds and flu. Its leaves have also been used to make herbal tea. Additionally, it has been used as a natural dye and as a natural insect repellent.
Parrotia Persica is an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes as it provides a lovely, vibrant display of reds and oranges in the fall. It is also widely used in bonsai and other ornamental plantings. It is a resilient tree that requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners. Parrotia Persica is also known for its resilience against drought and pests, making it an excellent choice for areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
