The photo above shows paulownia trees looking out toward the skyline of Central Park South and that shade a 7th Avenue entrance. They adorn the small hill just inside the Artisan's Gate and in front of Heckscher's Playground. Native hawthorn (cratageus spp.) is blooming and framing trees in a related feature New York City's Royal Paulownia - A Photo Feature
Royal Paulownia is an introduced ornamental that has become well established in North America. It is also known as princess-tree, empress-tree, or paulownia. It has a tropical look with very large catalpa-like leaves. The two species are not related. The tree is a prodigious seeder and grows extremely fast. Unfortunately, because of this ability to grow nearly anywhere and at a rapid rate, it is now considered an invasive exotic tree species. You are encouraged to plant the tree with caution. Read more on Invasive Exotic Trees. Read more about: Royal Paulownia
