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Persian Witch Hazel Wikimedia Commons
Hamamelidaceae

Persian Witch Hazel

Parrotia persica

Ancient endurance and fiery transformation.

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Genus
Parrotia
Native to
Iran, Caucasus
Bloom season
Late Winter, Early Spring
Type
deciduous tree
Height
600–1500 cm
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Water
moderate
Hardiness
4–8
Lifespan
perennial tree; centuries

Did you know

  • The flowers have no petals — instead, clusters of bright red stamens burst directly from bare winter branches.
  • Its autumn foliage is considered among the finest of any tree, rivaling Japanese maples with hues of yellow, orange, red, and purple.
  • The bark exfoliates in patches of green, gray, and cream, giving year-round visual interest like a plane tree.
  • It is named after F.W. Parrot, the German naturalist who first climbed Mount Ararat in 1829.
  • In its native Hyrcanian forests of Iran, Persian witch hazel trees can live for several hundred years.

Color meanings

Red

inner fire emerging from dormancy

Crimson

passionate awakening

Uses

  • specimen tree
  • autumn color
  • winter interest
  • parks and estates