Paulownia for Albuquerque Shade: Fast but Considerations

Albuquerque homeowner considers Paulownia (Royal Empress) for fast shade.

Paulownia Profile

• Extremely fast: 5+ ft/year, 15+ ft in 4-5 years.
• Lavender spring flowers, huge leaves.
• Valuable wood: furniture, instruments, lumber.
• Naturalized in 33 states.
• Grows in almost any soil.

Instant Shade Solution

If speed is paramount, Paulownia delivers. But consider: brittle wood, invasive potential in some areas, large leaf litter.