Paulownia
Princesstree or paulownia [Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc. ex Steud.] was introduced from East Asia in the early 1800s. It is grown as an ornamental and in scattered plantations for speculative production of high-valued wood for export to Japan. It has large heart-shaped leaves with fuzzy hairs on both sides, and in early spring produces showy pale violet flowers that yield clusters of pecan-shaped capsules, each filled with thousands of tiny winged seeds. Paulownia reproduces by abundant seeds and root sprouts, replacing native vegetation, including young trees that might otherwise reach the overstory. It is shade intolerant and invades after disturbance. This deciduous tree grows to 60 feet tall. Because it sprouts rapidly, it often obscures scenic vistas along roadsides. It occurs throughout the Southeast and is presently most abundant in central Tennessee and Virginia.
Encyclopedia ID: p969
