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.
When a Japanese family has a daughter they plant one of these trees. When the daughter gets married the tree is cut and used to make her wedding chest. It is also believed that if planted close to the house it will bring good fortune. Nearly every household in Japan has at least one item of furniture made from the wood of this tree.
American growers have began developing markets for these trees nationally and abroad. China is by far the largest producer of these trees and introduced them to North America as an ornamental for nursery sales and yard decoration. The saplings can grow as much as eighteen feet in a single year. Numerous tree farms have sprung up nationwide supplying various markets.
There is a market for them in nurseries also. The wide, fuzzy leaves and fragrant flowers make them very popular with home owners. The leaves are good for the environment too. The texture of the leaf attracts and holds dust, smog and smoke making it very useful for industrial areas.
Propagation of this tree can occur naturally through rain water or wind carriage. Some authorities worry that because there are millions of seeds produced each year from one specimen it will become a nuisance plant. It easily takes hold in areas that have been devastated by fire or flooding and thrives on hill sides and at the edge of forests. They have a very deep and sturdy root system but will not grow in shady areas.
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.
When a Japanese family has a daughter they plant one of these trees. When the daughter gets married the tree is cut and used to make her wedding chest. It is also believed that if planted close to the house it will bring good fortune. Nearly every household in Japan has at least one item of furniture made from the wood of this tree.
American growers have began developing markets for these trees nationally and abroad. China is by far the largest producer of these trees and introduced them to North America as an ornamental for nursery sales and yard decoration. The saplings can grow as much as eighteen feet in a single year. Numerous tree farms have sprung up nationwide supplying various markets.
There is a market for them in nurseries also. The wide, fuzzy leaves and fragrant flowers make them very popular with home owners. The leaves are good for the environment too. The texture of the leaf attracts and holds dust, smog and smoke making it very useful for industrial areas.
Propagation of this tree can occur naturally through rain water or wind carriage. Some authorities worry that because there are millions of seeds produced each year from one specimen it will become a nuisance plant. It easily takes hold in areas that have been devastated by fire or flooding and thrives on hill sides and at the edge of forests. They have a very deep and sturdy root system but will not grow in shady areas.
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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