The royal paulownia tree is an ancient Chinese tree that was named for Anna Paulownia, wife of King Willem of the Netherlands. It is known for the large blossoms and fragrant aroma that can be enjoyed from early spring to mid-summer. It is highly prized in Japan for its hardwood and has traditional value also.
Tradition dictates that Japanese families plant one of these trees each time a daughter is born. When she is married the tree is made into the marriage chest she takes to her new family. It is also considered a bringer of good fortune when planted near the house. Japanese families prize this hardwood for its capability of being made into beautiful furniture pieces and toys for the family.
China has traditionally been the largest producers of these trees but population pressure has cut into the growth areas. America has adopted this tree as a cash crop that can be grown quickly and exported to international markets. Tree farms are being established as far north as Ohio.
Americans have also accepted the species as a nursery item. The promise of fast growth and large decorative blossoms make them a popular item for yards and parks. The leaves are also beneficial for industrial countries. Because of the fur like nature of them they attract and hold smog particles as well as dust and smoke.
The seed pods of this tree can produce thousands of seeds every year. There is some concern about it breaking out into the wild and becoming a weed tree. It propagates itself very easily in areas that have been disturbed by fire or landslides. They grow very well on hill sides that are moist and sunny. They have zero shade tolerance and will not grow in the shade of other trees.
Planting one close to your home is not a good idea. The branches of the tree tend to bend and break easily in strong winds. The breakage causes hazards to property and people and even if the tree stands alone it will create a mess in the trunk area. This species is very hardy in temperate growth areas but is sensitive to frost and ice. A frost resistant seed base has been developed for the colder areas where it is grown.
This wood is very popular for manufacturing surf boards and many nautical items. It can be burnt for heat or as feedstock for generation of steam which is turned into electricity. There are medicinal uses for the leaves also. By crushing and processing the leaves they can be used to cleanse infected ulcers and other skin ailments. It can also kill warts and help with growing hair.
The royal paulownia is a tree of many facets. It has long been prized in the Eastern nations for wood and other items. Nearly every part of the plant can be used or has value on some level. Whether it is being grown for export or to help restore our own soil and air quality it has a history of aiding mankind. This is one Chinese export that should be welcomed to the North American hemisphere with open arms.
Tradition dictates that Japanese families plant one of these trees each time a daughter is born. When she is married the tree is made into the marriage chest she takes to her new family. It is also considered a bringer of good fortune when planted near the house. Japanese families prize this hardwood for its capability of being made into beautiful furniture pieces and toys for the family.
China has traditionally been the largest producers of these trees but population pressure has cut into the growth areas. America has adopted this tree as a cash crop that can be grown quickly and exported to international markets. Tree farms are being established as far north as Ohio.
Americans have also accepted the species as a nursery item. The promise of fast growth and large decorative blossoms make them a popular item for yards and parks. The leaves are also beneficial for industrial countries. Because of the fur like nature of them they attract and hold smog particles as well as dust and smoke.
The seed pods of this tree can produce thousands of seeds every year. There is some concern about it breaking out into the wild and becoming a weed tree. It propagates itself very easily in areas that have been disturbed by fire or landslides. They grow very well on hill sides that are moist and sunny. They have zero shade tolerance and will not grow in the shade of other trees.
Planting one close to your home is not a good idea. The branches of the tree tend to bend and break easily in strong winds. The breakage causes hazards to property and people and even if the tree stands alone it will create a mess in the trunk area. This species is very hardy in temperate growth areas but is sensitive to frost and ice. A frost resistant seed base has been developed for the colder areas where it is grown.
This wood is very popular for manufacturing surf boards and many nautical items. It can be burnt for heat or as feedstock for generation of steam which is turned into electricity. There are medicinal uses for the leaves also. By crushing and processing the leaves they can be used to cleanse infected ulcers and other skin ailments. It can also kill warts and help with growing hair.
The royal paulownia is a tree of many facets. It has long been prized in the Eastern nations for wood and other items. Nearly every part of the plant can be used or has value on some level. Whether it is being grown for export or to help restore our own soil and air quality it has a history of aiding mankind. This is one Chinese export that should be welcomed to the North American hemisphere with open arms.
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