Paulownia—A Crop Tree for Wood Products and Reclamation of Surface-Mined Land

Abstract

Abstract Paulownia, a naturalized Asiatic species, has been widely planted in the southeastern United States as a shade and ornamental tree because of its rapid growth and beautiful flowers. Although its multiple-use properties have made it an important commercial wood in Japan, it has not been used commercially in the United States. Recently, increased demand for paulownia from Japanese wood industries has created a potential new market for U.S. production of the species. The botanical characteristics, habitat conditions, forestation techniques, and economic potential of paulownia are reported. Also discussed is its utilization in reclamation efforts on surface-mined lands.1