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.
🙂