Common Name:

General Information

Paulownia fortunei is a tree with a conical crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall, but is often less than 20 metres. The straight bole can be up to 200cm in diameter. The tree is deciduous in temperate climates, becoming evergreen in tropical areas[, ].
Paulownia species in general are valued for their fast growth and light but strong wood; they are increasingly being grown as a plantation timber and in soil stabilization and restoration projects. The tree is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its fast growth and floral display.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - eastern and southern China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Vietnam, Laos

Habitat

Mountain slopes, forests, mountain valleys, wastelands; at elevations up to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Paulownia fortunei is a moderately cold-hardy plant, though it needs to grow in areas with long hot summers in order to fully develop its hardiness. In such regions it is able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant, though in areas with cooler summers it can be damaged by considerably less cold conditions. Young plants are also much more susceptible to cold than more mature specimens, whilst the spring growth and flowering of plants of all ages can be damaged by late frosts[, ]. The plant can be found from the warm temperate zone of southern China, just entering into the tropics in Vietnam and Laos, and is also sometimes cultivated in tropical areas.
Paulownia species generally grow best in an open, sunny position in a deep. moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil[].
All the species in this genus produce attractive spring displays of sweetly-scented flowers and can be grown as ornamentals[].
Branches tend to be brittle and the large leaves are liable to wind-burn, so it is best to site trees in a position that is sheltered from strong winds[].
A fast-growing species[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Paulownia fortunei is a fast-growing tree that can build up humus levels and fertility in the soil. When growing in areas polluted by heavy metals it has been shown to concentrate various of these metals in its tissues - especially lead, zinc and copper. It has a high potential for use in phytoremediation projects, either as a means of removing these metals or as a means of locking them up and helping to restore the fertility of the soil[].
The tree has proven to be very effective in the phytoremediation of manganese contaminated soils, growing quickly and concentrating manganese in its aerial parts, with a quantity transfer coefficient (the ratio of above to below ground uptake) of 2.32 in 5 year old trees[].
The plant seems capable of cleaning air polluted with chlorine[].

Other Uses

We have no specific information on the wood of this species, but Paulownia species in general have a good quality, lightweight timber. The reddish-brown wood is comparatively soft and has a beautiful grain[]. It is not generally attacked by insects. It is used for making delicate furniture, cabinets, musical instruments etc, and is also used for items such as boxes, clogs, floats and general wood work. It is also used in construction, being good for posts and beams[].
The wood yields an excellent charcoal that can be used for high class fireworks and gunpowder[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Sow stored seed in late winter in a greenhouse at 15 - 20°c[]. The seed requires light for germination[]. Fair to good germination. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame for its first year and plant out in late spring[].
Root cuttings 4cm long in December. Good percentage[].