*Empress-tree, Princess tree
*Paulownia tomentosa
EMPRESS-TREE
Paulowniaceae
China
Location: map coordinates R-8 (south side of Baker Building),
N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'47''
Planting history: presently unknown.
Description:
*Non-native species (not native to Delaware). On the Invasive Watchlist in DE
EMPRESS-TREE
Paulowniaceae
China
Location: map coordinates R-8 (south side of Baker Building),
N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'47''
Planting history: presently unknown.
Description:
- medium-sized deciduous tree
- etymology: Paulownia after Anna Paulowna (Pavlovna) (1795-1865), daughter of Czar Paul I of Russia, Grand Duchess of Russia, and later Princess and then Queen of the Netherlands; tomentosa = hairy (leaves)
- also called “Princess tree”; commemorating Anna Paulowna, former Princess of the Netherlands (see etymology, above)
- leaves very large, heart-shaped, tomentose (hairy) beneath; resemble catalpa leaves but always opposite (in 2’s) (and none whorled [in 3’s]), and pith chambered (not solid)
- flowers attractive; lavender, large, scented, in terminal clusters; in spring
- fruits oval woody capsules; in clusters
- wood used to make dowry boxes in China, from a tree planted when a baby girl is born (the tree is fast-growing)
- habitat open woods, edges; growing wild in all 3 Delaware counties
*Non-native species (not native to Delaware). On the Invasive Watchlist in DE
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