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Characteristics of Paulownia 

The fast‑growing tree with light, stable and sustainable wood for high‑performance projects.
paulownia chapas.jpg

Properties of the Paulownia Tree

Paulownia Leaf

Fast Growth

  • It has been recognized by Guinness as one of the fastest‑growing trees in the world.

  • Under professional management, it can reach around 17 m in 6 years.

Young Paulownia Tree

Trunk Regrowth

  • After the first cut, Paulownia sprouts back from the stump.
  • It can regrow 3 to 5 times, reducing replanting costs.
Paulownia Leaf

Carbon Sequestration

  • High CO₂ sequestration capacity per hectare per year.
  • Ideal for carbon credit projects and land restoration.
Young Paulownia Tree

Large, Nutritious Leaves

  • Leaves up to 70 cm in diameter.
    Protein content above 20% in young leaves, which can supplement animal feed.

Paulownia Leaf

Nectar‑Rich Flowers

  • Highly attractive flowers for bees.

  • They support beekeeping and local biodiversity.

Young Paulownia Tree

Organic Matter and Soil

  • Produces a large volume of leaf biomass annually.

  • Enriches the soil and improves its physical structure.

Paulownia Leaf

Agroforestry Systems (AFS)

  • Suitable for agroforestry systems and intercropped plantations.

  • Allows intercropped cultivation (grains, pasture, coffee, etc.).

Young Paulownia Tree

Sterile Seeds and Non‑Invasive (Hybrids)

  • Híbridos vendidos pela Paulownia Brasil possuem sementes estéreis.
  • Os materiais usados comercialmente não apresentam comportamento invasivo.

Characteristics of Paulownia Wood

Weight and Stability
Paulownia Leaf

Extremely Lightweight Wood

  • Oven‑dry density around 260–320 kg/m³.
    Much lighter than pine and other high‑value woods.

Young Paulownia Tree

 High Dimensional Stability

  • Low shrinkage during drying.

  • Low tendency to warp and twist.

Strength and Performance
Paulownia Leaf

Good strength‑to‑weight ratio

  • Excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio.

  • Suitable for light construction, panels, fine woodworking, and light structural components.

Young Paulownia Tree

High Ignition Temperature

  • Begins combustion at around 420–430 °C.

  • Higher than most commercial woods, improving fire safety.

       Machining and Finishing
Paulownia Leaf

     Easy to Work

  • Cuts, sands, and routs easily.

  • Accepts nails, screws, and glues with good holding strength.

Young Paulownia Tree

   Premium Finish 

  • Smooth, uniform texture with few knots.

  • Takes varnishes, stains, paints, and oils very well.

       Moisture, Pests, and Insulation
Paulownia Leaf

Good Moisture Tolerance

  • Not “waterproof,” but tolerates humid environments well when dried and treated.

  • Used in light boats, boards, and artisanal nautical applications.

Young Paulownia Tree

Lower Susceptibility to Pests

  • Presença de taninos diminui ataque de cupins e brocas.

  • Não substitui manejo, mas é naturalmente menos atrativa que várias madeiras comuns.

Young Paulownia Tree

       Thermal and Acoustic Insulator

  • Cell structure promotes thermal insulation.

  • Performs well in sound absorption and vibration damping.

Summary Technical Data for Paulownia Wood

Propriedade
Valor indicativo*
Dry density
~260–320 kg/m³
Green density
~700–800 kg/m³
Modulus of elasticity
~6,3 GPa
Tensile strength
~42 MPa
Compressive strength
~20 MPa
Ignition temperature
~420–430 °C
Calorific value (biomass)
~15–18 MJ/kg

Approximate average values, varying according to management, age, and local conditions.

Benefits of Paulownia in Agroforestry Systems (SAF)

Paulownia Leaf
  • Enables intercropping with commercial crops (grains, pastures, coffee, fruits, etc.)

Young Paulownia Tree
  • Moderate shade, adjustable through pruning.

Paulownia Leaf
  • Deep root system, reducing direct competition with shallow roots.

Young Paulownia Tree
  • Regular leaf production for biomass and green manure.

Paulownia Leaf
  • Improves soil structure, fertility, and biological activity.

Frequently asked questions

  • Fast growth (in the 6th year it can reach 17 m in height and 36 cm in trunk diameter)

  • The tree regrows from the trunk 3 to 5 times after the first cut.

  • Trees grow straight and their trunks have no knots.

  • Paulownia is not considered an invasive species.

  • It is a tree that incorporates a lot of organic matter into the soil, enriching it.

  • Its flowers are very melliferous

  • They can make up an agroforestry system (SAF)

  • Allows intercropping, such as cereals, pasture for livestock, etc.

  • It is at the top of the ranking of trees that sequester the most carbon (CO2)

  • Produces up to 10 times more oxygen than native deciduous tree species

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