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.
Have a lovely rest of the week.
I hope all your mysteries are pleasant ones.
🙂
Joys Of Creating 
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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