Viscous paulownia (Paulownia viscosa)

Sticky paulownia Kawakami paulownia variant

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Paulownia viscosa: The Sticky Dragon Tree

Displaying large, heart-shaped leaves and showy clusters of violet flowers, Paulownia viscosa stands out as a fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asian forests. The tree typically establishes itself in open areas and forest margins, where it can quickly occupy canopy space due to its rapid growth rate.

Its glandular-hairy foliage gives the plant a distinct sticky texture, which serves as a defense mechanism against certain herbivorous insects. The large flowers emerge in spring, providing a valuable source of nectar for bees and other early-season pollinators.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
∟ eudicots
∟ asterids
∟ order Lamiales
∟ family Paulowniaceae (Paulownia family)
∟ genus Paulownia (Empress tree)
∟ species Paulownia viscosa (Viscous paulownia)

Morphology

The trunk of Paulownia viscosa is straight with grey-brown bark that develops shallow fissures as the tree matures. Leaves are opposite, broadly cordate, and covered with sticky, glandular hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length.

Its inflorescence is a large terminal panicle bearing bell-shaped, pale violet to lavender flowers with yellow stripes inside the corolla tube. The fruit is an ovoid, sticky capsule containing numerous tiny, winged seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

Flowering season

Mid-spring before leaf emergence

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Name

Dec

Applications

The lightweight, warp-resistant wood of Paulownia viscosa is highly valued for making musical instruments, chests, and traditional furniture in its native range. Because of its fast growth, it is also planted for soil conservation, reforestation, and quick biomass production in disturbed landscapes.

Its large leaves contribute to rapid organic matter accumulation, improving soil quality in degraded areas. The species is occasionally cultivated in botanical gardens and large parks for its spectacular spring floral display.

Interesting facts

The sticky hairs on the leaves and seed capsules help trap small insects, a trait that some researchers believe may offer minor nutrient benefits.
Winged seeds are extremely light, allowing them to travel long distances on wind currents to colonize open habitats.
Like other members of its genus, the wood is naturally resistant to rot and has a high ignition point, making it prized for traditional carving.