A lone member in its genus, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana is a delightful, deciduous large shrub or small tree in the Hamamelidaceae, or witch-hazel family. Native to the western Himalayas, it flowers in early to mid spring, producing blooms that look like a cross between a dogwood and fothergilla.
In the spring issue of the Arboretum Bulletin, director emeritus Dr. John Wott profiles the plant and writes about the history of the Arboretum’s specimens.
Two fine specimens are blooming right on the northwest corner of the Witt Winter Garden, just a short distance from the Graham Visitors Center.