A Second Paulownia Tree

Tree #66b Paulownia tomentosa

There are some rare trees in Memphis. I have written before about a Paulownia tree at Manassas and Peach St. That was the only one I had seen in Memphis, but now I have found one more. 

Paulownia tree May 30, 2015

Close up of the flower spikes after flowering

This tree is on the south side of Park Ave. on the power line easement just at the 240 overpass. I had actually seen the flowers from Park Ave. while driving past. I was not able to get there while the tree was still flowering, but I did go by today. I met the owner who was pruning roses in the back yard. She said the tree was ordered since they were not available in Memphis nurseries. It is only about 5 years old and has grown very quickly. The owner was knowledgeable about the tree. She mentioned the flower logo was used as a family crest in Japan (symbol of the Prime Minister's office) and the story is told how when a girl is born one of these trees will be planted so it can be used to make a wedding chest (like a cedar chest) in the future when the girl gets married. (see my earlier post).