[Paul_Guraedy]

When I read that the flowers on the paulownia are white, I got curious. The ones grown around here are purple, so I did a google search on paulownia and grading the lumber. Fascinating!

I knew this tree as the "Royal Paulownia" from my park ranger days. It was an invasive species that we tried to keep under control. Then in the 1970s someone from Japan was amazed to find high quality, valuable trees growing in the U.S., in the wild, and to lumber dimensions. These trees grew slowly and were of very high quality. A new market was born when the few big, wild trees were gone.

The standards on this species sounds like the Westminster Dog Show. Grades A through E are determined by growth rings, number of defects, etc. Anything with less than 4 rings/inch is in the E category, is the least desirable for lumber; but, sounds like this would be the most desirable for carving. Although it is the least expensive, it is the most lucrative financially with minimum investment in time and labor. Different varieties (hence white vs. purple flowers) have different growth rates. It seems that most trees grown commercially in the U.S. are clones of a variety developed here. Probably a balance between fast growth rate (fewer rings) and being able to get the most dollars per acre.

My friend, growing paulownia, tells me that they are cut back to the ground each year until they grow a 20 foot bole in a single season. Around here that would amount to a couple of inches per day! I forgot to ask about diameter; but, 20 feet tall would indicate 5 or 6 inches minimum or definitely grade E.

I wonder if we will find the paulownia to be similar to basswood, with those grown in the deep south undesirable to woodcarvers? I have bass growing here on the ranch; but, it is not of special interest to the lumber industry.

It will be interesting to see how much/little detail can be carved into paulownia.

[dryheat]

I would like to give this a try if you haven't reached the limit.
Thanks for the opportunity.

ES

[Baldy]

I too would like to try one if it is not too late. I do think however that we should all reimberse you for at least the material and postage.
Dick Berg
2403 E. Laurel St.
Mesa, AZ. 85213

[BasketballJones]

I found a few interesting links

http://www.paulowniawood.com/

http://www.paulownia.org/

http://www.paulowniatrees.org/

[GAcarver]

Send me one, i'm always willing to try something new.


Randy McClure
166 hazelwood drive
mount airy, ga. 30563

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

That is a really neat looking tree....interesting that its stronger tensile strength than balsa.....now......where do you get seeds? lol

[artolver]

Dave, I'll dig up some seedlings here and put them in some pots and send or bring some your way. remind me every few weeks .............art

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

ok thanks Art, that would be great, to have some carving wood here locally!

[Ashbys]

You know If I planted 12 of these trees , I could cut one down each month let it dry for 30 days and have a wood supply for carving for the entire year. Cut one plant one and do it again.

Hummmm

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I think they said, you cut it off at the ground and it grows back