What is Paulownia used for?
The wood of the Paulownia is very unique and is used for making furniture, toys, plywood, musical instruments, housing construction, and for packaging. The Japanese also had great appreciation for the wood, and most Japanese households would have at least one piece of furniture made from this wood.
Is Paulownia a good wood?
It is also called “princess tree” for the same reason. Paulownia trees produce as many as 20 million tiny seeds per year. Trees can grow to maturity in under 10 years and produce strong, lightweight timber, good as firewood, with an even higher strength to weight ratio than balsa wood.
Is Paulownia wood expensive?
Today, first-rate logs may sell to a lumber merchant for as much as $10 to $15 a board foot, dealers say, making paulownia the most valuable wood in the Eastern forests. A 12-foot log, 20 inches across at the small end, would hold almost 200 board feet and bring $3,000.
Where do Paulownia trees grow?
The Paulownia tree is native to China. Its botanical name is Paulownia tomentosa, but it is commonly referred to as the princess or empress tree. These trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Are Paulownia leaves edible?
It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is primarily grown for its profuse spring bloom of foxglove-like flowers and its large catalpa-like green leaves. Flowers are edible and are sometimes added to salads.
Is Paulownia wood good for outdoor furniture?
Paulownia wood machines and works well, it is very dimensionally stable and is not subject to warping, cupping or splitting even when exposed to outdoor elements. The wood is light but strong and will not crack or split when nails or screws are used.
Is Paulownia wood better than pine?
Paulownia wood allows us to deliver the heavy industrial style look, with much less weight. At half the weight of pine, Paulownia is an attractive alternative to heavier woods. It has Unique Properties- Solid wood should be treated with care and respect.
Is Paulownia wood good for carving?
It is a great carving wood and a substitute for balsa wood. Paulownia is extremely easy to work, however, due to a high silica content in some trees, the wood can have a strong blunting effect on cutting edges, so be sure your tools are extremely sharp.
Where does Paulownia grow?
For best results, grow Paulownia tomentosa in full sun or dappled shade in a sheltered spot in moist, well-drained soil, though it’ll grow well in most soils.
How do I get rid of Paulownia trees?
Use a hatchet to cut slits around the tree stem into the bark. Then, spray herbicide into the slits with a handheld spray bottle. The tree should die over the course of the growing season, but re-application may be necessary the following year when for controlling paulownia. Cut and Paint.