What Is This Unusual Tree Found In Arkansas

Ask the Expert: What is this tree with strange fruit?

We found this tree on our new land in Arkansas and have no idea what it is, can you help us? Debbie

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
The tree looked familiar to me, but I couldn’t quite identify it. So I turned to Neal Adams and my good friend Janet Carson (with the Arkansas Extension Service) and both believe it is a royal paulownia tree–Paulownia tomentosa.  This tree is sometimes called Royal Empress.

Janet, also, told me that they produce spikes of purple flowers in the spring followed by these woody seed capsules. When the seeds pop open they scatter seeds all over and you will find some of the most amazing sized leaves ever. They are a regular jack in the beanstalk plant when young. They bloomed the best (and at a younger age) this year than I have ever seen.