PlantFiles: World Paulownia Empress Tree
Paulownia elongata 'Super Select'

These trees have beautiful flowers, and while they may grow quite large extremely quickly, if planted too close to your home, it's roots will lift up your house even quicker. Use extreme caution with this plant as it is VERY invasive and once it grows about 1'-2' tall, it's almost impossible to remove its root system, especially when it's growing out of sidewalk cracks, which it will do very readily.

I heard about these trees a few years ago from a friend that lives in North Carolina. What really caught my interest was that under the right circumstances they can grow up to 15 feet the first year. Now thats a Tree. They also have Giant leaves for the first few years and then mellow out somewhat. They also have large purple cluster type flowers that eminate a soft fragrience which will draw butterflies and humming birds. Cutting them back to the ground the first 2 years helps in their height. These trees are really amazing. They are being grown now in mass quanities for their very straight and clean lumber. They are considered at full maturity at 5 years. Could be a great cash crop if you have the land. They also do well in poor water conditions. But the first 2 years you will need to water if the water table is real low.