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Summary
Bloom Color: Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Vase.
Physical Characteristics

Paulownia tomentosa is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
P. imperialis. Sieb.&Zucc. P. recurva. Bignonia tomentosa.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves
Edible Uses:
Leaves - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails[177, 183]. Flowers[177]. Eaten with miso[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Skin Vermifuge Warts
A decoction of the leaves is used to wash foul ulcers and is also said to promote the growth of hair and prevent greying[218, 222]. The leaves are also poulticed onto bruises[218]. The leaf juice is used in the treatment of warts[218, 222]. The flowers are used in the treatment of skin ailments[178, 218]. A tincture of the inner bark is used in the treatment of fevers and delirium[218]. It is astringent and vermifuge[178, 218].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Charcoal Wood
Wood - not attacked by insects. Used for making boxes, clogs, furniture, musical instruments etc. Good for posts and beams in construction[46, 61, 151, 178]. A source of charcoal[46, 61].
Special Uses
Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Landscape Uses:Firewood, Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen. Requires a deep moderately fertile moisture retentive but well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position[11, 200]. Plants are tolerant of atmospheric pollution[200]. A very ornamental and fast growing plant[11]. The flower buds are formed in autumn and can be excited into premature growth during mild winter weather, this growth is then more susceptible to frost damage[1, 11]. The flower buds are hardy to about -15°c when dormant[200]. Plants, and especially seedlings less than 2 years old, are frost tender when young[11, 200]. They do not flower reliably in maritime zones, this is probably due to insufficient warmth and dryness in the summer[200]. Branches tend to be brittle[200]. The flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance[245]. Trees can be coppiced annually, they will then produce very vigorous growth with leaves up to 1 metre wide[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Blooms are very showy.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Sow stored seed in late winter in a greenhouse at 15 - 20°c[78]. The seed requires light for germination[200]. 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, July/August in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame for its first year and plant out in late spring[200]. Root cuttings 4cm long in December. Good percentage[78].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Thunb.)Steud.
Botanical References
11200266
Links / References
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