60F+ and sunny yesterday, so there I was at Rowe Arboretum, first marveling over this strangely comfortable winter, then over Rowe's assortment of conifers all in winter colors, and then this. Not a terribly uncommon tree, but it was the first time I had seen one in bloom. Hint: I believe the bloom is slightly out of season due to this out of whack winter.
Scott
Our lovely Parrotia?
This forum just can't shake that species.
Willis
Yep, Parrotia
Resin
I never realized how hairy the buds are. I will have to take a look at my Vanessa mañana.
WIllis
What is so special about Parrotia? I know I have never seen one and am not familiar with the name at all. Am I missing something else good that I need to add to my yard? What's the rest of the tre e look like if somebody has some pictures to share.
Parrotia persica a slow-growing tree, related to witch-hazels, with very nice smooth, multicolour bark (similar to Platanus), and spectacular autumn colour (mixed purple, red, orange). It is native to the mountains of northern Iran, not sure how well it would do in Alabama, it tends to do better in regions with cooler summers. It is also fairly drought-sensitive.
Resin
Has anybody ever gotten any seed from their Parrotia? I've never seen a plant set any seed.
Scott
Starlight: It is also called "Persian Ironwood" for obvious reasons. By the by, I finally sowed those seeds you sent me tonight. One or two were germinating on their own. Thanks again.
I'd be interested in knowing someone with seed, with no ulterior motives on my part, of course.
Scott, do the web-savvy world a favour and add that picture to PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/image.php?pid=1780
(Edited to add message to Starlight)
This message was edited Dec 22, 2006 9:18 PM
Beautiful picture Scott. I'm looking forward to finding blooms on my baby this Spring. :o)
Annie
I've never seen a plant set any seed
