Paulownia tomentosa (Foxglove-tree)

Native: China

Location: Cultivated in Japan, roadsides in south Europe and in gardens throughout Europe but does not do well in colder parts as the flowerbuds are produced in autumn and lie waiting through the winter.

Foliage

Leaves are variable, smaller ones unlobed, and larger ones with three or five shallow lobes. They have silky hairs on top surface and grey down on the lower surface.

Flowers

Flowers in May, each about 5cm long, in large upright clusters.

Fruits

Fruit is up to about 5cm long, drying up, and splitting to release lots of winged seeds.