The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Chinese parrotia

Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel family)

Synonym: Shaniodendron subaequalis

Distribution: China

IUCN Red list: Critically Endangered

Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: Related to witch-hazels, Chinese parrotia is a large ornamental shrub or small tree, growing up to 25 ft. tall and 15 ft. wide. The leaves are green in spring, turning dark green in summer and then in fall to beautiful shades of red, pink and burgundy. Infrequently red filamentous flowers appear in winter. The bark exfoliates and the muscular wood eventually develops a patchwork of grays, greens and creams as the plant matures. This is a highly endangered species in its native habitat. It was only recently described and introduced to western horticulture by Roy Lancaster, an English plant hunter, who received cuttings of it from Mikinori Ogisu, a Japanese botanist. Tolerant of drought and shade, pest free, and moderate growth. Well-adapted to growing in containers.