Paulownia
Paulownia elongata
A near-instant biomass and timber tree — huge leaves, light strong wood and endless coppice. Brittle and vigorous, so give it deep soil and a firm pruning hand.
Paulownia in a syntropic line
Paulownia belongs in the Emergent layer as a Secondary biomass species. They frame the line. Rough in-row spacing starts around 1.6 m in a syntropic row. Good line partners include Almond, Apricot. As a Secondary species it carries mid-term yield and structure while climax trees slowly claim the canopy.
Tolerances and growing conditions
- Strata
- Emergent
- Lifecycle
- Secondary
- Soil preference
- Loam, Sandy
- Soil pH range
- 5 – 8
- Min. temperature
- -18°C
- Min. rainfall
- 600 mm/year
- Wind tolerance
- Low
- Frost tolerance
- Medium
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Irrigation needed
- Medium
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Waterlogging tolerance
- Low
- Origin
- China
- Native to Portugal
- No
How to manage it
Very fast biomass and timber species; coppices vigorously for repeated high-volume mulch. Give it deep, well-drained soil.
How to propagate
Push dormant hardwood cuttings into moist soil in winter, or sow seed in spring — both root and germinate readily.
Guidance, not a guarantee — success varies by species and skill.
What to watch out for
Young trees and spring flower buds are frost-tender; wood is brittle and large leaves catch wind. Vigorous self-seeder - monitor for spread.
Frequently asked questions about Paulownia
Is paulownia frost-hardy?
Yes for winter cold in many climates — generally hardy to around -18°C when dormant, with medium frost tolerance in the catalog. Flowering crops can still lose a season to late frost, so site them carefully.
What soil does paulownia need?
It does best on loam, sandy ground, at pH about 5–8.
How much water does paulownia need?
Plan for a rainfall floor around 600 mm/year, plus medium irrigation once established.
Can paulownia handle wet or waterlogged soil?
Poorly — paulownia has low waterlogging tolerance, so keep it off winter-wet clay and standing water.
What should I watch out for with paulownia?
Young trees and spring flower buds are frost-tender; wood is brittle and large leaves catch wind. Vigorous self-seeder - monitor for spread.
Design your line to see how your land fits Paulownia.
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