Parrotia persica

Origin: Caucasus, Persia.

Botanical characteristics: It is a beautiful deciduous tree with a short trunk, is very branched from the base and has erect growth habit and rounded, spreading and thick crown. It has a grey and smooth bark that turns reddish and peels off in plates with the passing of time. The leaves, similar to the ones of the beech tree, are obovate, glossy, bright green and has entire margins. They have beautiful colours hues, changing from yellow to orange, to purple-red. In early-spring-blooming the leaves appear before the flowers. They are bunches of tiny petalless flowers with red, very showy stamens.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It prefers deep, fertile, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, especially for the coloration of the foliage. It does not tolerate limestone. It requires full sun or partial shade exposure.

Use: It is used in parks and gardens preferably as an isolated plant in the lawn or in flowerbeds and borders in combination with lower and perennial shrubs. Moreover, it is also used in groups in thickets.