Parrotia - Ironwood Trees

Parrotia is a genus that has one single species: the Parrotia Persica. This genus is from the tree family Hamamelidaceae and it was named after the German naturalist Freidrich Parrot. Various forms of the Parrotia Persica now exist, and some forms like the ‘Bella’ are prized for their narrower form. Parrotia trees are widely planted as specimen trees and parkland trees for their ornamental foliage. The leaves are broadly ovate in shape and have wavy margins and a strong purple-red colouring in the autumn; the leaves have a wonderful shine to them and they make the tree really stand out in autumn.

The bark of Parrotia trees is also highly ornamental as it peels and flakes off to reveal pale green, pink and yellow patches underneath the old bark - a lot like the popular Plane tree does. This genus also produces an abundant display of small red flowers before the leaves appear in winter, making it a great tree for year round interest.