430 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



PAULONIA IMPERIALIS. 



We have received several inquiries regarding a blue (purple) Catalpa from 

 the South. This is not a Catalpa, hut a Chinese tree, very similar to the Catalpa 

 in many particulars. 



The leaves are large and much like the Catalpa. The tree sends up rank- 

 growing shoots from the stump after it has been cut down. The flowers re- 

 semble those of the Catalpa, except that the color is purple. The seed vessels, 

 however, are of conical shape, and are held upright upon the twigs, while in the 

 Catalpa family the seed vessels, shaped like elongated cigars, droop or are pendant 

 from the branches. The seed also are very different from Catalpa, though both are 

 winged. 



The bark of the Paulonia much resembles that of ailantus. 



It is strictly a Southern tree, thriving at Atlanta, Ga.. and southward. This 

 tree is found at Washington City, probably its northernmost limit, but sel- 

 dom blossoms, the buds being winter-killed. 



The trees are quite abundant at Knoxville, Tenn.. but seldom bloom. As the 

 flower buds are formed in autumn, they are liable to injury during winter frosts. 



So far we have been unable to learn of any economic value of the wood, but 

 yet that might develop if the trees were grown in forest in Gulf States. 



The flowers are quite handsome, and for these the trees are grown. The 

 wood is formed rapidly, and might become a profitable investment. Unfor- 

 tunately the habit of the Paulonia is to form a spreading head and short trunk. 



Our object in this brief sketch is only to disabuse the minds of any who 

 think it one of the Catalpa family. It was imported from China about 1850, 

 and distributed by the Botanic Garden at Washington. 



The Paulonia is placed by botanists in the Figwort family, while Catalpa 

 is classed among the Bignonia family. 



