45 Paulownia Tree Facts: Should You Plant Them In Your Yard?

Paulownia or Paulownia tomentosa trees are large trees with huge leaves that are heart-shaped and light violet flowers.

The royal Paulownia used to be called 'gold wood' as you could buy a new car after selling Paulownia wood. It was once a native species of North America.

Paulownia is a genus consisting of somewhere between 7-17 hardwood tree species of flowering plants in the Paulowniaceae family and Lamiales order. They are found across Vietnam, north to south Laos, and China.

They are also cultivated mainly in Korea and Japan and some places in eastern Asia, where these are native trees.

In the past, itss capsules (botanically) or fruits were useful as packaging material for goods that were dispatched to North America from East Asia. These trees are not prominently grown in gardens in the United States, partly due to their brown fruits, which are considered ugly.

Facts About Paulownia Trees

Some Paulownia species are Paulownia tomentosa, Paulownia elongate, Paulownia coreana, and Paulownia fortune. Originally, it was spelled as Pavlovnia, however, it is now spelled as Paulownia to honor the queen consort of the Netherlands, Anna Paulowna, who was the daughter of Russia's Tsar Paul I. This is also the reason for its common names empress tree and princess tree.

• After the seed capsules mature, the loculicidal dehiscence of the capsule exposes 2,000 winged seeds.
• It is named Kiri in Japanese, particularly referring to P. kawakamii.
• Empress tree is emblem of the prime minister's office.
• It is the Government Seal of Japan, which is used by the government and cabinet of Japan.
• The light hardwood is used to make clogs, boxes, and chests.
• In Japan, Korea, and China the wood of this tree is important for creating the soundboards for stringed musical instruments, such as gayageum and guzheng.
• Although Paulownia is not an invasive species in Europe, it is considered an invasive species by a few United States authorities.
• This tree does not get affected by air pollution and is drought-resistant.
• In 1844, Paulownia was introduced to North America from Asia and Europe, where it was used as an ornamental tree.
• Paulownia surfboards can be made at home and they are low maintenance.
• The growth rate of this tree saves you a lot of money.

Paulownia Tree Problems

Paulownia species grow up to be beautiful trees but they are invasive plants and are some of the fastest growing trees in the world. In the first year of planting an empress tree can reach 20 ft (6 m) in height, reaching maturity in only 10 years.

• They are so invasive that in Connecticut, they are declared as noxious weeds and are also banned for sale.
• Planting a single tree will be a disaster for the whole garden as it can kill other plants by sucking all the nutrients, water, and sunlight.
• The wood of this tree is brittle and wind damage is high as branches can easily break off the tree.
• Small twigs and spent seed capsules will scatter on the ground under the tree.
• A weed wacker or lawnmower can easily scratch or scrape off the tree bark as it is thin.
• The roots of this tree grow very close to the surface of the soil, which can ruin concrete.
• In fall, the flower buds that form can be injured in the freezing temperature and fall to the ground without blooming.
• In Tennessee, it has been declared as an exotic invasive plant.
• If the roots lack water, they can clog your underground drainage system in search of water.
• Witches broom is a disease that impacts the growth of mature trees and can even kill young saplings.
• It is almost not possible to remove a full-grown tree.

What are the uses of Paulownia trees?

Paulownia trees or empress trees are popular as ornamental and roadside trees in China. Some plantation of Paulownia species are harvested for saw timber within just five years. After harvesting, these trees can regenerate from the root system still intact to the ground and are named Phoenix trees.

• Chinese agroforestry also makes use of princess trees due to nectar-rich flowers, late-leafing, and deep-rooting ability.
• The fodder quality of Paulownia leaves, light but strong wood, and rapid growth rate are also great for agroforestry.
• The large leaves of this tree filters toxins and pollutants in the air.
• One big princess tree absorbs around 48 lb (22 kg) of carbon dioxide and releases pure oxygen every day.
• For over 2,500 years, the wood of this tree has been used to produce many objects in Japan and China. Now, Europe, the US, and Australia are also primary consumers of this wood.
• Paulownia tree wood is used to make water sport materials, furniture, barrels, rice bowls, wooden boxes, packaging, charcoal, wood shavings, and handcrafts.
• In the 19th century, Chinese porcelain exporters used soft and lightweight Paulownia seeds for packing.
• These trees are famous in the modern gardening style that makes use of 'architectural' and large-foiled plants.
• In recent years, wooden surfboards are made of Paulownia trees and their demand has been increasing.
• The light, low salt-water absorbing Paulownia wood is the primary material for making good watersport equipment.
• These princess trees also have great strength to weight ratio.

Ideal Growing Conditions Of Paulownia Trees

The empress tree does not tolerate high water tables and needs a lot of sunlight. It is rigid with its requirements as a forestry crop and thrives only with well-draining soil and irrigation water or summer rainfall. The empress tree hates heavy or wet clay in the soil and needs an altitude of about 2,200 ft (670.5 m).

• As young trees do not have a strong root system, their stem needs to be propped, straightened, and mounded.
• During the summer, the young trees must be painted to protect them from sun-scald and in winter they must be wrapped in the grass to avoid freeze damage.
• The optimal temperature for the healthy growth of Paulownia trees is 77.5-84 F (24-29 C).
• Springtime is the best to plant these trees. Around 5.9-7.8 in (15-20 cm) of soil must be collected around the young sapling after planting.
• Soils that work very well for this tree are sandy and heavy peat. The pH must be 5-8.
• As Paulownia is a great shooter, it must be coppiced in its second year of growth.
• In the second or third year of growth, the tree must be pruned and must be done when new branches grow out in its growing season.
• 70% shade can kill these young plants and slight shade can deform the saplings.
• Effective weeding is necessary for these plants in their first year to avoid weed overgrowth.
• These trees need effective drainage as they are quite sensitive to flooding.
• On the day you plant the sapling, regular irrigation is important.