Foxglove-tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Empress-tree family (Paulowniaceae)
Royal pioneer
Although the empress tree originates from the interior of China, it does have Dutch associations. It was the favourite tree of the Russian, Anna Pavlovna, who married the Dutch King William II. The queen loved extravagant plants and the large heart-shaped leaves and huge purple trumpet-shaped flowers of the tree enchanted her. For this reason, the tree is also known as the ‘princess tree’ or ‘empress tree’ in other countries.
In the Netherlands, the tree is usually planted in parks and gardens but is by nature a pioneer. After a devastating fire, the heat-resistant roots can quickly sprout enabling the tree to be the first plant to make use of newly created open spaces.
Themes
Carving the wood of Paulownia is an art form in Japan and China.
Leaves can be cooked and eaten; flowers are edible and are sometimes added to salads. However this plant is only eaten in emergency situations when no other food is available.
Fragrant, light lilac-purple flowers appear in early spring before the leaves. Their aroma is reminiscent of vanilla.
A decoction of the leaves is used to wash unpleasant ulcers and is also said to promote the growth of hair and prevent greying. The leaves can also be made into a compress and used on bruises. The leaf juice is used in the treatment of warts. The flowers are used in the treatment of skin ailments. A tincture of the inner bark is used in the treatment of fever and delirium. It is astringent and used to get rid of parasitic worms.
Wood is not attacked by insects and is used for making boxes, clogs, furniture, musical instruments etc. It is suitable for posts and beams in construction and a source of charcoal. Its nitrogen-rich leaves provide good fodder and its roots prevent soil erosion. Several Asian string instruments are made from Paulownia tomentosa, including the Japanese koto and Korean gayageum zithers.
The plant contains some potentially toxic compounds.
In China this tree is planted if a girl is born. The fast-growing tree matures as she does; when she is eligible for marriage the tree is cut down and carved into wooden articles for her dowry.
Details
| Description: | Tree, 8-12 m. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | China |
| Habitat: | Woods, 1300 - 2000 m in altitude. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic decidous) |
| Hardiness: | Colder than -4 f (very hardy) |
| Flowering period: | Mei |
| Flower color: | Purple |
| Notes on flowers: | Flowers light lilac-purple. |
| Fruiting period: | Augustus - oktober |
| Fruit color: | Brown, green |
| Notes on fruits: | Lichtgroene eenmaal rijp bruine doosvrucht. |
| At its best: | April - mei |