paulownia

[ paw-loh-nee-uh ]

noun

1. a Japanese tree, Paulownia tomentosa, of the bignonia family, having showy clusters of pale-violet or blue flowers blossoming in early spring.
2. any other tree of the genus Paulownia.

paulownia

/ pɔːˈləʊnɪə /

noun

1. any scrophulariaceous tree of the Japanese genus Paulownia, esp P. tomentosa, having large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of purplish or white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of paulownia¹

1835–45; < New Latin; named after Anna Pavlovna, daughter of Paul I of Russia; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of paulownia¹

C19: New Latin, named after Anna Paulovna, daughter of Paul I of Russia

Example Sentences

We saw during our journey large numbers of kiri (Paulownia) used for making geta and bride's chests.

From Project Gutenberg

There are many fine old trees throughout the country, and which testify to the general hardihood of the Paulownia.

From Project Gutenberg

The last two classes of the Rising Sun wear a decoration formed of the Paulownia flower and leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

We have done our last planting—a Catalpa in one place, a Paulownia in another—and some more fruit-trees in the orchard.

From Project Gutenberg

I made a chain for her neck out of the lovely blue Paulownia flowers and covered her with great heart-shaped leaves.

From Project Gutenberg