PAULOWNIA, the common, and also generic name of an ornamental tree brought from Japan in 1840, named in honor of the princess Anna Paulovna of the Netherlands, afterwards queen. It belongs to the order Scrophulaciaceec or figwort family, of which it is a remarkable member, attaining a height of 20 to 30 feet. It has somewhat the appear ante of a catalpa, the leaves being similar, but much more downy. The flowers make their appearauce in April and May. They are somewhat cylindrical, with rounded lobes at the mouth. and clustered in large panicles. Each flower is from one and n half to two inches long, of a beautiful violet color, and having a slight agreeable odor. Calyx. line, segmented, thick, and leathery, densely covered with a rusty down. Capsules 2-valved, ovate, end pointed, an inch or more in length, containing numerous winged seeds. The tree was at one time much sought alter in the united States, as it was preceded by a great reputation. but it has since fallen somewhat from its high favor.
It is not hardy north of New York, and even there and further south it often fails to bloom for several seasons in succession. The flower buds are formed in the previous season, a severe winter generally blights them. and the tree is not ornamental without its (lowers. The growth of the tree in 1/favorable climate is very rapid and vigorous, and the leaves are remarkable for their siz and flue appearance, often measuring twofeet in breadth on young trees. It is said that a good way to cultivate the tree is to cut it down to the ground every year and use it as a sort of hedge or division, the young shoots growing very rapidly and becoming ornamental on account of their luxuriant leaves.