The _flowers_ appear in clusters or panicles in May or June. They are
white with purple and yellow markings, and this makes them decidedly
showy and attractive. The _fruit_ consists of a bean-like pod, 8 to 16
inches long. It hangs on the tree over winter and gradually splits into
2 parts, or valves. The seeds are about 1 inch long and terminate in
wings that are rounded and short-fringed at the ends. They are freely
carried by the wind.
The _wood_ is rather soft, light, coarse-grained and durable in contact
with the soil. It is used for fence posts, poles and fuel, and
occasionally for railroad ties.
The paulownia, _Paulownia tomentosa_ (Thumb). Steud., is a large tree
native of China with the aspect of the catalpa with broad opposite
leaves. Its upright pyramidal clusters of pale violet flowers which
appear with the unfolding of the leaves are strikingly handsome. The
individual flowers are bell-shaped, two inches long and spotted with
darker purple.