This tree is on its third summer since I planted it. It was a 12 inch stick with roots at one end when I got it and planted it. It is a conversation piece and would love to know what im looking at. Sincerely, carly
Yup. Spreading in the southeastern US. But the wood is in demand in Japan, where it's used for high-quality boxes.
Australia too is concerned with it becoming an environmental weed. Particularly in tropical areas. It is fairly controled down here. I have not seen them take off in fact two of mine have died. I planted them as rapid shade trees for the paddock. "Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. Chinese empress tree Family: Scrophulariaceae A rapidly growing deciduous tree (c.10-20m tall) with a branched crown and large leaves (up to 40cm across). It produces clusters of trumpet-shaped cream to mauve flowers. The pods mature in autumn and point upwards before splitting along two seams and releasing millions of tiny wind-blown seeds (Anon. 1996). One tree can produce 20 million seeds per year (Anon. 1996). The seeds are short-lived, with no dormancy (Bond 1993). Mature plants can regenerate vigorously after coppicing or stump-cutting (Bond 1993). Growth can be very rapid in the first 20 years, after which it shows exceptionally slow growth (Borough 1991). For rapid growth to occur, the plant requires full sunlight, ample soil moisture and fertile soil (Boroughs 1991). P. tomentosa is native to south-eastern China. It was introduced into the USA in 1834 and immediately escaped cultivation, becoming naturalised from Georgia to New York (Anon. 1996) . In China, it exists' as scattered individuals in disturbed forests (Borough 1991). There has been no research on the weed potential of Paulownia species (Bond 1993). The only information in Australia relates to ornamental use and forestry trials in south east Queensland and north Queensland. In forestry trials it performed badly and suffered heavily from insect attack (Bond 1993). Landcare members at Beechmont (Queensland) have expressed concern over the vegetative reproductive capacity of cuttings and the regenerative capacity of the cut stumps. Since it is a pioneer species, it may have some potential as an environmental weed in highly disturbed tropical habitats, such as the edges of rainforests, where sunlight, moisture and nutrients are in good supply. PP tomentosa is currently being widely promoted in Australia for investment agroforestry. Although the wood is light and quite weak, it can be used to make bowls, utensils, plywood panels, furniture and musical instruments" http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/weeds-potential/appendix-c-p.html Liz
