Help me identify this weird tree! (It looks like a giant weed)?
Question:Okay... I bought a new house and I have two bizarre tree/shrubs growing here. The owner called them trees and said she would send me the info. on them but never did.
The trees are very young and this spring basically looked like the typical stick in the ground. Then, when they began to sprout, they developed these GIANT leaves. There are probably only 30 leaves on the whole "tree". Each leaf is bigger than my two hands put together, and they are soft and fuzzy. The leaves are deltoid or ovate in shape and non-serrated.
The bark on the tree is smooth with white speckling. At this time the height of the entire plant is about 6 foot (it was maybe 2 feet high in the beginning of spring and has sprouted up that high in the last few months).
Please post any and all guesses and I'll look up pictures! I'm so desperate to know what this is... it looks more like a giant weed than a tree!
Thanks ;o)
Answers:
Royal Paulownia perhaps.
They originated in China, where the wood is used to make bolws and caskets among other items.
In the US they grow very quickly and as a result the wood tends to be weak.
Hope this helps.
It would help too if you include your geographic location, the climate and hopefully you can find a picture :)
the only tree i can think of with large leaves is the catalpa tree. they grow flowers and the seeds grow in the form of giant pea pods. you didnt mention either of those so im not really sure.
Is it a Princess tree? (Paulownia tomentosa)
Photo of leaf here:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
yes it sound like a royal paulownia , royal empress tree does it look like this I have 2 of them and they grow weird
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/theohiolutes...
I would definately say you have a Royal Paulownia. See the picture here:
http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/copubs/gar...
Believe it or not, the chinese and japanese are now paying small fortunes for the wood of this tree.
http://forestry.about.com/cs/royalpaulow...
A weed is any plant you do not want! If it is in fact a Royal P. you should count your blessings!!
Contact you County Extension Agent (phone book) or State University. In addition contact a local Arboretum for a consult. They will identify and recommend either the removal or preservation of the planting.
The Royal P. has a long and storied history. The wood of the tree is valuable beyond belief! You need to study both the tree (Wyman's Encly.) and find a true Arborist to prune the tree. A regular tree service or landscaper will butcher the job in most cases.
Contact a local Nursery and find out the cost of purchasing one of these Specimen trees. That ad about Sticker Shock will apply to the price quoted to you.
With regular maintenance and care this tree will outlive you and another generation. It is a true gem! If it is not a Royal P. - get rid of it. Get at least three opinions before you determine the true nature of the tree. Some will say cut it down only to sell the wood. It's wood is greatly valued in the making of musical instruments and has a yard foot value beyond anyother.
Hope this helps. I am at gjgjobs@yahoo.com.
Check out a sycamore. They have giant leaves--they also have the porcupine balls that come off of them.
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