The Nature of Eureka – Perch of the phoenix – Royal Paulownia

“What is that tree that looks like it’s draped in purple foxglove flowers?” I am regularly asked this time of year. In early summer, some ask, “What is the tree with the giant leaves?” The tree certainly has an exotic look to it, and indeed it is exotic, known as candelabra tree, princess tree, empress or royal paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa). You’ve all seen it. It produces candelabra-like displays of large, thimble-shaped, purple flowers in late April-early May before the leaves appear.

When the large, more or less heart-shaped leaves come on they are easily the largest leaves on a deciduous tree in town (especially younger trees). Native to East Asia, it was introduced into European horticulture in 1844, and arrived in the United States by 1847.

The earliest account of the tree comes in the classic Chinese text the Erh-ya, attributed to unknown authors of the Chou Dynasty (1122-255 BC). The Erh-ya is the first text that transforms oral natural history of prehistory to the written word. The tree is among those listed with useful wood. When alive, the tree’s wood is soft and brittle. It will not resist an axe. However, once dried it does not crack or decay if soaked, hence it symbolizes both tenderness of heart and stability of character.

In ancient Chinese tradition, scholars met in a garden under a Paulownia tree to drink to good health and compose poems. Confucianism holds Paulownia as the symbol of the junzi. When one becomes a “man-at-his-best,” respectful and respected, a perfected human being of complete virtue, one attains the title of junzi.

At ancient Chinese temples, hollowed paulownia tree trunk segments are carved into the form of a fish. The Chinese character and sound for “fish” is the same as for the word “abundance.” Fish figures as objects, therefore, represent good wishes for abundant life and boundless blessings. In temple yards, a hollowed fish carved from paulownia wood is hung. Hit with a hard stick, it strikes a deep resonance, the morning call to prayer.

According to Chinese legend the mythical phoenix bird will only perch on the Paulownia tree. As a good omen, the phoenix only appears when a benevolent ruler leads the people. Don’t look for a phoenix perched on a Paulownia in Washington D.C. during or after the 2016 election cycle.