Ironwood Be Stunning

Largely unknown in Minnesota, Persian ironwood is widely used in zone 5 and above as a boulevard tree because of its handsome habit, durability in wind and snow, longevity, and tolerance of salt and pollution. However, there are a number of old specimens dotting the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis that show no evidence of winter damage and I have started noticing specimens in some inner ring suburbs as well. They are easy to distinguish this time of year because their leaves are just starting to turn. Recently a columnar cultivar hit the market called JL Spire and its merits make it tempting to introduce into the Minnesotan landscape.

Recently a columnar cultivar hit the market called “JL Spire”, and its merits make it tempting to introduce into the Minnesotan landscape. Although its ultimate size is unknown, it appears likely to form a column 10′ wide by 25-30′ tall at maturity.