Parrotia persica is usually a low-branched and multi-stemmed small specimen tree with beautiful, exfoliating bark, flowers having showy red stamens, and leaves that turn from dark green in summer to an autumn color consisting of a mix of brilliant yellow, orange and red. Persian Parrotia provides significant autumn and winter interest.
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F E A T U R E S |
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Form
-small deciduous tree, about 30' tall x 20' wide rounded, upright, wide spreading branches, often with several trunks (shrub form)
-moderate to fast growth rate (1-1.5' per year) |
Foliage
-alternate arrangement
simple, 2.5-5" long x 1-2.5" wide, oval to obovate-oblong
-conspicuous stipules
-coarsely crenate-dentate above the middle and undulate margin (shape resembles Hamamelis)
-dark green in summer; yellow, orange to brilliant red in autumn if plant is grown in full sun |
Flowers
-flowers without petals (apetalous), have showy red stamens, appear before leaves (Mar.– Apr.)
-floral display not particularly noticeable |
Fruit
-a brown, 2-valved capsule; ornamentally insignificant |
Twig
-lightly pubescent when young, turning brownish and smooth as it matures |
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Trunk
-attractive, exfoliating with grayish green and white in older trunks; resembles Cornus kousa, Pinus bungeana, or Platanus occidentalis in general pattern |
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C U L T
U R E
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Culture
-sun to light shade; prefers well-drained, slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), loam soils, but will tolerate some alkalinity; avoid exposure to drying winds.
-no serious pest problems that would limit its use in the landscape
-propagated by cuttings or seeds
-limited availability in containers or B&B |
Hardiness
-zones (4) 5 to 8
Origin
-native to Iran, Iraq
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U S A G E |
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Assets
-outstanding autumn color (maximized if plant placed in full sun) and exfoliating bark
-significant tolerance to environmental stresses, once established
Liabilities
-may show some winter damage in colder parts of zone 5
-may be attacked by Japanese beetle |
Function
-specimen, focal point, accent, foundation planting for larger structures
Texture
-medium in leaf and when bare |
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S E L
E C T I 0 N S |
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Varieties
and Cultivars
- Search
OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species
Alternates
-other small trees with multi-season interest (Acer griseum, Acer palmatum, etc.) |