PAULOWNIA (Paulownia imperialis, Sieb. & Zucc.) is a member of the Spurge Family not so far away from the catalpa, botanically speaking. In lustiness of growth each excels. The heart-shaped leaves are often a foot across. The hardi ness of the tree commends it. Even as far north as Montreal it comes up from roots every year, forming long shoots which bear leaves astonishingly large compared with trees indigenous to the region. The paulownia blossoms before the leaves.
Its flowers are deliciously fragrant, and no tree blossom has more delicate color. Blue is unusual among tree blossoms, and these trees, like great blue-flowered catalpas, are striking objects in parks and along avenues. Native of Japan and China, the paulownia feels enough at home already in America to run wild in some places. The clustered seed balls are un sightly in winter.