Striving for Diversity: Persian Ironwood

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica). Author’s photographs

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) seems exotic yet familiar, all at the same time. It has bark reminiscent of the more commonly grown Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) and sycamores and plane trees (Platanus species); the luxuriant summer leaves of a beech tree (Fagus species); and a combination of brilliant fall colors evocative of smoke tree (Continus coggygria) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). With so many worthy ornamental traits and an adaptability to a range of climate zones, Persian ironwood rewards those who choose to grow it, offering interest and beauty in every season. It should be grown more frequently in Western gardens.

Persian ironwood is a member of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae), which includes familiar woody plants such as the witch hazels (Hamamelis species), the winter hazels (Corylopsis species), Fothergilla, and Chinese witch hazels (Loropetalum); the family once included the sweetgums, until they were split into the Altingiaceae. Only two species comprise the genus Parrotia, the other being P. subaequalis from C...