Parrotia persica or Persian ironwood is a small, single trunk, deciduous tree eventually growing 20-40 feet tall (but typically 10 feet after 7-8 years) or a large, multi-stemmed shrub growing to 15 feet tall. Apetulous flowers with dense, red stamens surrounded by brownish bracts appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage. Flowers are attractive on close inspection, but are generally considered to be somewhat insignificant. Oval to oblong leaves (to 4 inches long) emerge reddish-purple in spring, mature to a lustrous, medium to dark green in summer and change to variable shades of yellow, orange and red in fall. Bark of mature trees exfoliates to show green, white or tan patches beneath and provides good winter interest. No serious insect or disease problems.