The mystery is solved.
This tree is a Paulownia tomentosa
(common names empress tree, princess tree or foxglove tree)
It’s a deciduous tree in the family Paulowniaceae, native to
central and western China, but invasive in the USA.
Paulownia tomentosa is the fastest growing tree in the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulownia_tomentosa
https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/paulownia/tomentosa/
Do you know what type of tree this is?
My husband and I saw it growing down in a gully, next to a waterway, by the side of a road. I’ve never seen one like it. It’s such a curiosity to us that I had to make some photos to help me search for what it is.
I haven’t been able to find a photo of a tree to match it on a search engine.
I wonder what type of fruit or nuts it produces and if it’s edible.
Do you know what it is?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Sorry, my friend….I don’t have a clue. Hopefully at least one of your readers will know! Perhaps take the photo to a nearby nursery or greenhouse??
Or your county extension agent…if you have one.
.
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Thanks Dianna
That’s a great idea. I may do that if someone doesn’t recognize it. It’s got me wondering.
I hope you don’t mind, I edited your 2 comments together…
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No, that’s fine!!
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Thanks 🙂
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Could it be a tulip tree?
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Hi Colleen
That’s a good guess. It’s not a Poplar, but it could be another species like it.
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How about a redbud?
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Thanks so much Colleen
You helped me solve the mystery.
I looked up red bud seed pods and a photo of the rounder pods popped up. I followed it to a page that tells all about the “Paulownia tomentosa (common names empress tree, princess tree or foxglove tree) ”
Thank you thank you thank you (((happy hugs)))
🙂
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I lucked out. I was at Home Depot and saw those leaves! Wonderful. Glad we figured it out 🙂
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I’m glad you saw the leaves and mentioned them. I’m happy we figured it out too. 🙂
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Do you recall what it looks like when (or if) it flowers? And if so, what month? I love a good tree mystery!
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Hi Karen
We’ve never seen it bloom. This was the only time we’ve seen it.
I love a good tree mystery too. 🙂
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