Paulownia trees have attracted great interest, and the genus has developed a substantial “following” in the US over the past few decades. As highlighted in this communication, they have been popular in Asia for a great many centuries. We have invited the author, who has a commercial agroforestry and tree plantation services company, to share some of his passion for this plant which clearly has substantial potential for sustainable agroforestry systems in many areas of the world. Introduction The Paulownia tree has been grown in China for at least 2600 years. It may well hold the record for history’s oldest plantation tree. In ancient times (221-207 BC), a book entitled On Qin Dynasty reported that thousands of Paulownias were planted around Arfang City in China (1). Paulownia wood, a light-colored hardwood, has been revered for centuries by Japanese craftsmen because of its workability and beauty. In the Japanese tradition, Paulownia was used to build kotos (Japanese harps) because of the wood’s superior acoustical quality. Paulownia species probably first came to the United States sometime during the mid-1800s, although researchers have also discovered evidence that the genus Paulownia grew in the northwestern United States in prehistoric times (2). Because the seeds are very tiny and light in weight (1.75 million per pound), the Chinese immigrants often used the seed to cushion their dishes and other breakables when shipping from the Orient. Some seeds undoubtedly escaped and took root. About 1970, a group of Japanese wood buyers, while driving through Virginia, noticed the trees growing wild. The Japanese began buying up these old-growth (P. tomentosa) Paulownia logs. By 1979, U.S. growers established a commercial plot with three acres of P. elongata planted in Polk County, North Carolina.

Pros & Cons for Paulownia Trees

The Paulownia tree is native to China. Its botanical name is Paulownia tomentosa but it is commonly referred to as the princess or empress tree. They grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness zones 5 to 9. One of these trees, a 70-foot specimen growing in Farmersville, California, is listed on the California Registry of Big Trees. These are deciduous trees, meaning they drop their leaves in the fall and grow new leaves in the spring.

 Easy to Grow

 Paulownia trees grow fast, putting on more than 2 feet of height each year. They quickly mature into a 30- to 40-foot-tall shade tree with a canopy width of 30 to 40 feet. Soil type is not important for this tree as long as it is not heavy clay that drains slowly. The soil pH can be acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline. This tree is drought-tolerant after it gets established and is not bothered by air pollution.

 Desirable Attributes

In zones 6 though 9 the princess tree blooms prolifically in early spring, producing 14-inch long panicles of lavender to pinkish-lavender trumpet-shaped flowers. The edible flowers emit a vanilla-type fragrance. Their large, heart-shaped, deep green leaves commonly grow to between 8 and 12 inches long. Paulownia tree wood is very valuable. It is commonly grown, harvested and shipped to Japan, where it is used to make furniture and jewelry boxes. It is also used to make wooden crates.

 Undesirable Attributes:

 Paulownia tree wood is somewhat brittle. The branches are susceptible to wind damage and can easily crack or break off completely at the crotch. They often droop, as well, requiring removal to allow for foot or vehicle traffic. Spent seed capsules and small twigs litter the ground beneath the trees. The tree bark is thin. It can be scratched or scraped off easily by a lawn mower or weed wacker. Tree roots grow close to the soil surface, causing damage to concrete and making lawn mowing difficult. The leaves of Paulownia trees do not change color in the fall before dropping. Flower buds are formed on this tree in the fall. They can be damaged by freezing weather even in zones 6 and above, causing them to drop to the ground without blooming.

 Invasiveness

The Pulownia tomentosa tree is known to become invasive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service lists the Paulownia tomentosa tree as a noxious weed. It is banned in Connecticut due to its potentially invasive nature. It is also listed as an exotic invasive pest plant in Tennessee. The tree spreads aggressively through abundant self-seeding.