Royal Paulownia - 100 Most Common North American Trees

Description and Identification of Paulownia

Common Names: empress-tree, karri, foxglove tree, princess-tree, paulownia

Habitat: Naturally seeded or planted royal paulownia survives and grows best on moist, well-drained soils of steep slopes or open valleys but it will germinate and grow on almost any moist, bare soil. A highly adaptable "escapee" such as royal paulownia is found in many site, soil, and forest type conditions.

Description: Its capacity to "pioneer" disturbed exposed sites has made royal paulownia a favorite for stripmine spoilbank reclamation. The tree is moderately cold hardy and has naturalized principally in the East and South.

Uses: Royal paulownia was introduced into this country as an ornamental, and it still retains some popularity for that purpose. Its use in reclamation of the disturbed soils of surface mines grows yearly. The wood is highly prized for the manufacture of specialty items in Asia, and there is a brisk export business of logs to Japan. The export market has led to establishment of commercial plantations in this country.

Paulownia Photos - ForestryImages.Org
Identify Paulownia - Virginia Tech Dendrology