Plant Family: Paulowniaceae
Growth Form: Medium sized to large tree, from 10 to 18 meters tall, with a broad crown.
Leaves: Opposite, simple, large, 15 – 30 cm, heart-shaped, densely hairy beneath; the leaves on saplings or pruned branches may be even larger.
Bark: Smooth and light brown or gray when young, developing shallow vertical fissures on older trees.
Flowers: Violet, tubular, showy, with 5 recurved petals, striped on the inside, 5 cm long, with a spicy aroma, held in upright clusters; May to June.
Fruits: Ovoid woody capsules, 4 cm long, that ripen to brown; these split open to release the numerous winged seeds.
Habitat: Upland deciduous woods, clearings, roadsides, transportation corridors, acts as a pioneer species after disturbance. Prefers fertile soil in full sun, but tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions.
Range: Native to China, introduced to the United States in the 19th century as an ornamental. Reaches the northern limit of its naturalized range in southern New England.
Similar Species: Possibly confused with the Catalpas, which also have large, opposite, heart-shaped leaves, but in Catalpas the fruits are long narrow pods.
Comments: Notable for its fast growth rate and broad environmental tolerances, this attractive tree has been introduced to temperate zone countries worldwide as an ornamental, for timber production, and to reclaim areas despoiled by mining and other human activities.
