I moved into a new house back in August and there is a very tall, skinny, tropical looking tree in the front yard. It was covered with large leaves, but they've all fallen off for the winter. My neighbor told me that the previous homeowner would cut the tree down to the ground and it would grow as tall as it is now (20') in one season, but I think maybe he's lying and just doesn't like the tree. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me what type of tree it is and any instructions to care for it. I've attached a picture of the tree (now bare) and a picture of a leaf that has seen better days (sorry, it's the best I've got now). The leave is about 12''x12'' and the tree is about 20' tall. Thanks!
Trust your neighbour! This is almost certainly Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the royal paulownia or the empress tree. Yes, it can grow that much in a year! Links: Paulownia tomentosa factsheet from the Virginia Tech Dendrology Department Paulownia tomentosa from the Kemper Centre for Home Gardening hosted by the Missouri Botanical Garden I'm not sure where you're from, but if you visit UBC Botanical Garden you can see Paulownia both in its mature tree form or as plants that are cut down every year in the same method that the previous owner of your home used. Our specimens are not Paulownia tomentosa, but rather closely related species. The three mature trees are roughly 15m tall and border the fence along Old Marine Drive (if you were to look toward the ocean from the parking lot, you would see them). Each individual tree reaches peak flowering on a different day, and each has a slightly different shade of purplish-pink. Very interesting - one can usually be seen at its best around the time of our Mother's Day Perennial Plant Sale. One that is cut back every year can be seen by looking down toward the fence while standing inside the ting (where is the ting?). Another is within the David C. Lam Asian Garden, but I don't have a good way of pointing out where to find it on the garden website yet.
Thanks Yep, that's it. Thanks a lot for your help! Now I just need to figure out what to do with it. I saw a few websites showing how big and messy this tree can get and I've already got plenty of trees to clean up after so I don't think I want this one getting too big. I guess I'll just chop it down again. Any advice on cutting it? Do I just cut a few inches above ground level? Sounds like it will thrive no matter what I do to it so I guess I needn't worry much. I'd like to see the flowers though. Maybe I'll leave it until spring and then cut it down. Anyway, thanks again. I don't know how I would have figured out what it was without you!
Stooling Paulownia tomentosa is done where a tropical appearance is desired. This will encourage vigorous shoots with exceptionally large leaves. Cut down to ground level in March every year. Stooled specimens do not produce flowers.
Bby your discription you have a Royal Empress Tree, or also know as a Paulownia Tree. I have been trying to find one here on Vancouver Island. You are very lucky.
Photo of flowering shoot shows Paulownia tomentosa 'Lilacina'. This is more common here than the typical plant.
If you ever get down toward Nanaimo (I'm in Lantzville) let me know. I can set you up with a Paulownia. Cheers, LPN.
Just noticing your message about where to obtain a Paulownia. Was hoping you could help me track one down? My neighbours (here in Nanaimo) just cut down my maples without telling me, so need fast growing.
hi a fastgrower tree is poplar but they are a menace to the yard with babies coming up from the roots. The buddlia davidii's are nice to make a hedge with and very easy to root cuttings. Hope this helps a bit.
Buddleja davidii is also a problem plant being apt to seed out into the wild here. Oregan and Washington now identify it as a noxious weed.
LOL almost everything is a noxious weed some where. But I guess I have run out of ideas for you. Sorry mf. Good luck on finding something that you like.
