What kinda tree is this?

[okie64]

Anybody know what kinda tree these are? Huge nut clusters all over the tree and very smooth bark. Located in the ozark mountains in Arkansas if that helps.

[Pat B]

Paulownia, princess tree from Japan. Very invasive but not good bow wood. Probably good carving wood.  Does it have purple flowers in the summer?

[Eric Krewson]

Think of the cheapest, most nauseating perfume you have ever smelled, this is what the flowers from this tree smell like to me.

[okie64]

Thanks for the quick reply Pat, I was hoping you would see this and chime in. I dont know about the purple flowers in the summer, I only notice them this time of year because of the big clusters on the branches. I picked up a few logs that were pushed into a brushpile and they were extremely light and had huge growth rings so I didnt figure it was good bow wood. I guess if they are invasive I should cut all of them down that I can??

[okie64]

I guess we posted at the same time Eric. So Im guessing you have these trees in Alabama too?

[Pat B]

It is revered in Japan. From what I've heard when a woman in Japan gets married she gets a box made from princess tree as part of her dowry .

[mcginnis6010]

Paulownia is an excellent wood for carving and us very soft. Its somewhat similar to basswood. I still have a piece from where i bought some from Woodcraft. Its such a light wood a lot of people compare it to balsa wood.