City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/232632
We began using Parrotia only within the past few years, and I've been delighted so far. We have used 'Vanessa' as a street tree in several residential and commercial locations. Its transplantability, form, foliage, and fall color are all appealing features. I have also watched with interest a pair of 6-inch (152-mm) caliper street trees planted some years ago by a resident. The trees withstood some significant abuse when the stately old home was renovated, then burned, and was then renovated again. Three years of construction traffic and abuse, and the trees are thriving! I expect that we'll be planting more Parrotia persica in Upper Arlington for good reasons. —Steve Cothrel, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, Parks and Recreation Department, Upper Arlington, Ohio Ilove it; it's not bothered by drought nor long wet spells. No sign of pests. Just a neat, well-behaved little tree! I have had a Parrotia 'Vanessa' growing in my front yard for about 15 years. I picked it up at a local plant sale in a 5-gallon pot. It's now about 18 feet (5.5 m) tall and just beautiful. It provides reliable yellow/red fall color in an area not known for fall color. It is still tightly vertical with some very nice muscular trunks which clearly identify why it's also called Persian ironwood. —Steve Shurtz, Urban Forestry & Landscape Parrotia buds • Photo by Steve Cothrel Manager at City/Parish of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Congratulations to Persian parrotia! Parrotia persica has many desirable characteristics that make it a great street tree here in Burlington, Vermont. The tree grows in a variety of soil textures and types. It has succeeded in tough sites where crabapples failed to establish. It is also tolerant to heat, cold, and drought conditions. In Burlington, newly planted parrotia are watered for the first two growing seasons. Parrotia persica are planted beneath utility lines because of their slow and low growth. We have not had any problems with fungal or insect pests yet. In addition to the great physical and biological characteristics, Persian parrotia is visually appealing. It displays beech-like bark when young, tiny pinkish-red flowers in spring, purple leaves at bud burst that change to a waxy deep green all summer, and bright orange to red color through the fall. Parrotia is a wonderful species to add to any urban or ornamental landscape. —Brian Sullivan, Municipal Specialist, Burlington, Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation 8 Young 'Vanessa' parrotia trees looking sharp in Renton, Washington, the spring following planting. Photo by Terry Flatley City Trees