Scientific Name
Parrotia persica
Family
Hamamelidaceae (witch hazels)
Description
A slow-growing, small to medium tree with a wide-spreading, often multi-stemmed habit. It is prized for its spectacular autumn foliage and ornamental bark.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, 3–5 inches long, oval with wavy margins on the upper half; emerge reddish-purple, turning dark green in summer, and brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and burgundy in fall.
Bark: Smooth and gray when young, maturing to show an exfoliating (peeling) pattern that reveals patches of tan, green, and cream, similar to a Sycamore.
Twigs: Slender, brown, and smooth with small, dark, velvety buds.
Flowers: Late winter (February–March); unique, petal-less flowers consisting of dense clusters of bright red stamens surrounded by brownish bracts; appear before leaves.
Fruits: Small, brown, two-valved woody capsules, about ½ inch long, containing two seeds.
Other Common Names
Parrotia
Size
20–40 feet.