Identifying a Mystery Tree: Catalpa or Paulownia?

A homeowner is puzzled by a tree in their backyard. The leaves measure about 12 inches from tip to stem, and the tree lacks the characteristic spring blossoms or fall seed pods of a catalpa. The user provided a photo of a brown leaf found on the ground.

Expert Answer: The leaf appears to be from a catalpa tree. A similar look-alike is the paulownia (empress tree), which is considered a weed species. If the tree is young, it may not have flowered yet due to immaturity. Paulownia produces purple flowers in summer. The expert hopes it's a catalpa rather than paulownia and suggests sending another photo next year when leaves reappear for a more definitive identification.