Fauna
Plant

Persian Ironwood

Parrotia persica

Also known as Ironwood, Persian Parrotia

Persian ironwood features smooth, flaking bark that peels to reveal rich patches of green, tan, and cream, paired with apetalous late-winter flowers framed by crimson stamens. Native to the ancient Hyrcanian forests along the Caspian coast, its dense canopy transforms into brilliant shades of golden yellow, orange, and deep purple each autumn. Its remarkably dense, heavy timber earned it the common name ironwood, though today it is primarily cherished worldwide as an ornamental tree.

DeciduousOrnamentalColorful Autumn
Persian Ironwood reference1 / 7
(c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Deer
  • Insects
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, climate change
HabitatsHumid temperate deciduous forests, mountain slopes, river valleys
Life span150–200+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyHamamelidaceae
  2. SpeciesParrotia persica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by smooth grey bark peeling in patches to expose green and pinkish inner bark, along with crimson winter stamens.
Support conservation
Avoid compacting soil around roots or damaging low branches when observing wild or cultivated trees.
Responsible observation
  • Autumn Foliage: Visit in late October or November to witness the brilliant amber and purple leaf display.
  • Bark Observation: Inspect mature trunks year-round for unique flaking bark patterns resembling sycamore.
Related species
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