Paulownia Trees

Paulownia is a deciduous hardwood that can be stained easily to resemble Mahogany or Walnut. Paulownia wood machines and works well, it is very stable even when exposed to outdoor elements. Paulownia is not affected by humidity and Moisture and it has a natural resistance to termites.

For Centuries Japanese have utilized this revered wood in Ceremonial furniture, Musical Instruments, Decorative moldings, The wood is light but strong and will not crack or split when nails or screws are used. Paulownia is lightweight, 17 to 21 lbs per cubic foot. It air dries in 30 to 60 days without cupping, warping, cracking or splitting. It is resistant to decay and rotting provided it is not in permanent contact with the ground. Fire resistance is a feature of all Paulownia trees, Ignition temp 420 to 430 degrees Celsius as compared to Average hardwood at 220 to 225 degrees Celsius. Density of Paulownia species @10% moisture content ranges from 17.8 to 23.2 Thermal conductivity of Paulownia is very low thus giving it excellent heat/cool insulation properties.

Both paulownia trees are hardy to zone 6 but elevation cannot be over 2200 ft. It requires a low clay , sandy loam soil. It will not tolerate wet conditions. Paulownia trees grow only on zones 6-11. Some web sites claim that these trees can be grown in zone 5.

Traditionally... when japanese couples have a doughter, they plant a paulownia tree. When the daughter is ready to marry, they cut down the tree and make a dowry chest, furniture and other items out of it for wedding gifts. Paulownia trees are believed to bring good fortune to the household and all who enter. Ancient lore has it that when the legendary Phoenix flew across the Orient, it would only land on Paulownia Trees... bringing prosperity and wisdom to those who were near.

PAULOWNIA ELONGATA Grows to 100 ft.About 15-20 ft. every year. If the tree is cut down it will regrow from the stump. Longervity of this tree is 100 years. Can be propagated by seeds or by root cuttings. FLowers on the third year. If a perfectly straight log is needed, its side branches must be removed every month until the desired height is achieved. . Its leaves are about 15" -30" in diameter. Practically unknown in the US, this tree promises to be one of the most important biomass and phytoremediation trees in a short time. For best results, this tree should be planted on 12' centers. watering is necessary in the first 10 weeks or so until the tap root reaches the ground water. Watering is also needed in times of draught. Intercropping with Pauplownia has been successfully carried out for centuries in China where it is planted with wheat and other crops. Elongata must be fertilized twice a year, late fall and 3 months later. Use 10-10-10 at the rate of 1 lb per tree. Warning Wherever you pick to have a paulownia tree, you will always have that tree in that location no matter how many times you cut it down, it will come back up! So, if you get a 6" tree from me and the top comes off, plant the root, You will see a new top within 2 weeks.

PAULOWNIA TORMENTOSA Grows to 60 ft. Grows about 15 ft. per year. Longevity 60 years. If the tree is cut down it will regrow from the stump. Can be propagated by seeds or root cuttings. Flowers on the third year. According to the literature it is invasive. I don't sell this tree.

HYBRID POPLAR OP-367 Populus Deltoides x nigra Grows to 100 ft. in 10 years, and 40 ft. wide. Lives to be about 40 years can be propagated only by cuttings. If the tree is cut down it will regrow from the stump. Grows about 30" in the bags. Does not flower. The wood from the poplar is soft, therefore it burns much faster. Suggested spacing between trees for the poplar is 6 ft. centers. Trees can be harvested in 8 years at a height of 70-100 ft.

Since this tree is the same price as all my other trees (I have plenty of them), you can order it from the regular tree page Here

Paulownia Care

front page.