Not many words needed for this particular tree - the Persian Ironwood is a prized arboretum specimen in temperate zones throughout the world. Shown here are trees from arboreta in Portland, San Francisco, and Europe. Good trees can also be found in Palo Alto and other locations scattered around California. Red flowers on bare branches mid- to late-winter. Beautiful exfoliating bark. For residential use, can be a great multi-stem plant. Can also be trained for street tree use with a single trunk.

A surprisingly tough tree, noted for drought tolerance, at least in moister parts of the world. Please remember that drought in California is much more severe than in most temperate zone climates. Thus, when planting Persian Ironwood in California it is best planted either on a favored site or with supplemental summer irrigation, at least until further drought testing is conducted.

Below, Persian Ironwood, planted in Palo Alto. Avoid the ‘Vanessa’ cultivar - it holds dead leaves all winter, and has been seen growing poorly in Palo Alto.  Photo left shows a set of Persian Ironwood in Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco.