Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood)

Native from southeastern Azerbaijan to northern Iran, this deciduous tree or large shrub usually reaches 15 to 30 feet. Small flowers with red stamens appear before the leaves in late winter or early spring. Autumn foliage turns yellow, orange, and burgundy, while mature bark peels away to reveal a patchwork of green, white, and tan. It grows slowly and tolerates drought and urban air pollution. It can be propagated from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Photographed in Colombia.