Persian Parrotia

If you are looking for a tree to pique your interest in exploring the self-guided Tree Trails on the MU campus, look no farther than tree number one on the Memorial Union Loop. 

Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica), a member of the witch hazel family, is a tree with an exotic-sounding name to go with its unusual appearance. It is a low branching tree with upright branches and an overall oval form. The leaves are glossy, reddish when opening and often brilliant yellow to scarlet in fall. The outer bark flakes off, leading to attractive patterns, textures and colors on the trunk, making the plant attractive in winter. Perhaps not surprisingly, because it is related to witch hazels, its fuzzy, brown flower buds often open in Mid-March. It produces no petals, instead forming little clusters of pink anthers, which are easy to miss unless one knows to look for them. The name, Persian Parrotia, comes from the fact that it is native to Iran and was discovered and introduced to horticulture by a German naturalist named F.W. Parrot.

Content and photos by Chris Starbuck