Persian ironwood Parrotia persica
Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Hamamelidaceae family, native to Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran and Azerbaijan. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Persian ironwood at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran and Azerbaijan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Persian ironwood toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Persian ironwood
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Persian ironwood
- How far apart should I plant Persian ironwood?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Persian ironwood need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Persian ironwood need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Persian ironwood?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Persian ironwood flower?
- From about February for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Persian ironwood poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Persian ironwood?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Persian ironwood. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Grown for autumn colour (yellow, orange, crimson) and flaking bark; tiny red winter flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Chinese fringe flower Loropetalum chinense
- Hybrid witch hazel Hamamelis x intermedia
- Buttercup winter hazel (hyūgamizuki) Corylopsis pauciflora
- Chinese witch hazel Hamamelis mollis
- American witch hazel (common witch hazel) Hamamelis virginiana
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra