04 Jun Persian Ironwood
Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica)
Our tree this month is the Persian ironwood, a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Alborz Mountains of northern Iran. The species was named by Carl Anton von Meyer in honour of his predecessor at the University of Dorpat, German naturalist Georg Friedrich Parrot, who carried out botanical studies in the Alborz in the 1830s.
This tree is admired for being visually striking at all times of the year. Though it typically grows to around 6 to 10 meters tall, it can reach higher in ideal conditions, often forming a wide, multi-stemmed shape with an elegant, spreading canopy. Growing naturally along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, it is part of a unique ecosystem that dates back to the Tertiary period. These ancient forests, often called ‘living fossils’, are a refuge of biodiversity, and the Persian ironwood is considered one of their botanical jewels
As its name suggests, the wood of the Persian ironwood is notably dense and tough, and historically would have been used for tools that required its durability. Today however its true value lies in ornamental horticulture. Landscape designers prize Persian ironwood for its year-round interest, modest size, and resistance to pests. It is often used as a feature tree in gardens, urban plantings, and arboreta. In cooler climates, it may be grown as a large shrub or multi-stemmed tree, where its form can be sculpted to show off its peeling bark and low, arching branches.
Appearance and Identification
In early spring before its leaves emerge, the Persian ironwood produces small, crimson, petal-less flowers that cluster along the bare branches. Though subtle, these blooms are a striking herald of the new season. As spring progresses, ovate, slightly wavy-edged leaves emerge, rich green and often tinged with bronze or purple when young.
Buds and leaves
In autumn its foliage transforms into a spectacular blend of gold, orange, crimson, and deep purple, often all on a single branch. Even in winter the tree continues to impress, thanks to its bark, which peels in patches to reveal a smooth mosaic of green, cream, grey, and cinnamon tones, similar to that of a plane tree.
Persian Ironwood bark
Propagation and Control
The Persian ironwood is notably resilient. It has no serious pests or diseases affecting it in its native range or where it has been introduced, including Europe and North America. Its tolerance to drought, resistance to urban pollution, and general hardiness make it an excellent candidate for street planting, parkland, and private gardens alike.
It naturally grows in the humid, temperate Hyrcanian forests of Iran, where it thrives in rich, well-drained soils on mountain slopes and valley floors. Though it is not currently considered endangered, the Hyrcanian forest ecosystem is under threat from deforestation, overgrazing, and development. Conservation efforts in Iran and the wider region aim to protect these ancient woodlands and the species they support.
Source and Reference Materials
Information detailed in this post has been obtained from the author’s own knowledge and photographic library where possible. Additional source of information and photographs include:
Van den Berk, B.V. (2004). Van den Berk on Trees. Van den Berk Nurseries.