Royal paulownia
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific namePaulownia tomentosa
Trade / common nameRoyal paulownia
FamilyScrophulariaceae
RegionSouth America · Eastern Asia · North America
Distribution
The species is indigenous to China and Japan, but it has been successfully cultivated in the United States. It has escaped, and can now be found from southern New York, southward to Florida and Texas, and extends northward into Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is usually found growing in waste places, on roadsides and in open areas.
Uses
Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture, Musical instruments, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Specialty items, Tool handles, Veneer: decorative, Wooden shoes
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Royal paulownia
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
Red
Yellow
Green/grey
Purple
Orange
Pale brown
Reddish brown
Greenish to greyish
The heartwood is described as purplish brown or light gray, with brown streaks
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Brown
The sapwood is narrow and nearly white in color
Luster
Medium
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture, Musical instruments, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Specialty items, Tool handles, Veneer: decorative, Wooden shoes
Product Sources
The species has very little commercial value in the US. Quantities are limited on the US market, except for very small projects such as undertaken by craftsmen. Price is almost in the same range as Black walnut since the whitish wood is being exported to the Orient, especially Japan, for furniture and other special uses, including sandals.
Full Technical Species Profile
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