Princess Tree
Paulownia tomentosa
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Princess tree is native to China. They have become extremely invasive since introduction into the US because they produce huge numbers of seeds and will send up shoots from the root system after being cut down. It's tolerant of soil conditions but thrives in moist, deep, well-drained, sandy-loamy soil. It can withstand some shade but prefers full sun.
Fruit: A 3-4 cm long, woody, beaked capsule arranged in terminal clusters. The husks open to release the winged seeds inside when they reach maturity in the fall.
Flowers: A 1.5-2" long, tube-like, light purple-pink, showy flower arranged in 14" long upright cluster. They are edible and smell of vanilla. They bloom in the spring.
Uses: The flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish. The tree used to be used as an ornamental, but it's no longer desired due to its invasive status.
Ethnobotany: It was used in the past in eastern Asia for paper, clogs, veneer, rice pots, medicine, and more.
Importance to wildlife: The tree can outcompete nearby plants.
The full princess tree (reaching from the bottom left hand corner to the upper right hand corner). They are one of the fastest growing trees in the world, reaching a mature height of 50 feet in just 10 years.
The bark of a princess tree.
A single leaf of a princess tree. Leaves are mostly 15-30 cm long but sometimes longer, nearly circular, entire or slightly lobed, heart shaped, dark green and hairy above, and paler and velvety below.
The underside of a princess tree leaf.
The foliage of a princess tree, including the empty husks which persist after the fruits have matured.
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