In Maryland, what are the trees that have purple trumpet-like flowers & the leaves get big like elephant ears?

Question

The trumpet like flowers are only in the Spring and the "horn" part points downward. I've heard these trees nicknamed "elephant ear trees" and also heard this is the wood most commonly used now for piano keys (versus the old fashioned ivory). they are common in Harford county and can grow like 50' tall. What in the dickens are they called?

The trumpet like flowers are only in the Spring and the "horn" part points downward. I've heard these trees nicknamed "elephant ear trees" and also heard this is the wood most commonly used now for piano keys (versus the old fashioned ivory). they are common in Harford county and can grow like 50' tall. What in the dickens are they called?
here is a pic from a first year tree (at least you can see the leaves but not the flowers or bark)
http://ogresview.mu.nu/images/bigleaf-thumb.jpg

Answer 1

I agree with the above, Paulownia tree. Actually Paulownia is the genus name for many different species found around the work, but mostly China and other Asian countries.

The genus was names in honor of Queen Anna Pavlovna of The Netherlands (1795–1865), daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia.

Paulownia fortunei is a fast-growing tree that is grown commercially for the production of hardwood timber, but in this country it is mainly an ornamental growing multiple feet a year.

Paulownia tomentosa is listed as an invasive species in the southeastern United States, having been introduced there as an ornamental tree for its decorative flowers.

It is important to know what Paulownia you are planting. While bother are fast growing, the P. tomentosa can escape cultivation in milder areas, that is it becomes a weed displacing native plants.

Here's a website you might enjoy.

http://www.dragontrees.com/dragonbe.html

Answer 2

Cottonwood trees is what we sometimes call them down here (but most commonly, elephant ear trees), but in nurseries they are called Paulownia. I'm sure it's the same one that you're talking about though, purple trumpet blooms in spring, leaves can easily get 12" across and have a kind of...furry texture on top, for lack of a better word. The backs of the leaves are sometimes kind of sticky. They get HUGE and grow quick.

Answer 3

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