Fast Growing Trees


Fast Growing Trees Nursery discovered that the tree made its way to the United States in the mid 1800s. Paulownia seed was used as packaging material for delicate porcelain dishes on their journey across the Pacific. Once unpacked, the tiny wind blown seeds became naturalized throughout the eastern states.
Since the 1970s Japan has not been able to grow enough Paulownia to meet its high demand. They have a great appreciation for the appearance of the wood and most Japanese households have at least one piece of furniture made out of Paulownia. Once Americans became aware of the Japanese demand, trees growing in the wild were harvested and sold at great prices. Even today, the Japanese are the largest buyers of old growth Paulownia.
Fast growth varieties of Paulownia were cloned to produce a light, strong wood that could be harvested in about 10 years. These trees are now produced from tissue cultures and are grown in well-maintained plantations. These special tree farms are predominating in the Orient. China alone has 1.2 billion Paulownia trees growing. Aggressive planting programs have also been established in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America and North America.