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Regarding The Royal Paulownia Tree

By Harriett Crosby


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.

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.

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 hardwood is very popular for furniture making and in marine industries in Japan. It has the capacity to remove large quantities of nitrates from soil and use them for growth. It helps to prevent the erosion of soil because of the extensive root system it has. The leaves are also used. They have some medicinal value in that they are very good cleansers and are reputed to help with the growth of hair and with healing skin ailments.

The royal paulownia tree shows great promise as a new source of revenue for North America. The fast growth and easy propagation has opened markets abroad as well as at home. There is already a growing export market to Japan for cut trees that will be made into furniture and toys for that nation. There are also markets in North America for live trees as well as for cut wood to be used for manufacturing and other domestic uses.




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