Parrotia persica

Today's the day ………………………….. for autumn leaves

This is a new tree that we bought for the garden back in the spring - Parrotia persica  or the Persian ironwood as it is commonly known.  It is native to northern Iran - and is closely related to the witch-hazel genus Hamamelis.

The bark is smooth and pinkish-brown that flakes to leave cinnamon, pink, green, and pale yellow patches - just like a plane tree.  As you can see, the leaves turn a glorious colour in autumn and apparently we can expect 'clusters of petite dark red winter flowers' in January and February - a hallmark of the witch-hazels.

A very colourful tree altogether …………………….