Plant with HUGE leaves

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Jon45150, Nov 11, 2007.

  1. Jon45150

    Jon45150 Active Member

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    Location:
    Cincinnati, OH, USA
    This plant is growing in the woods and along the highway in Tennessee. I have also seen it in Ohio.

    All of the plants I have seen are 10' or shorter and have opposite leaves.
     

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  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
    Austin, Tx
    Paulownia tomentosa I believe.

    HTH
    Chris
     
  3. Jon45150

    Jon45150 Active Member

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    Location:
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    Yes, does look like it comes from that genus. To help narrow down to the species attached is a picture of the leaf stem. It is hollow and the sap smells bitter sweet.
     

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  4. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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  5. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
    PERTHSHIRE. SCOTLAND.UK
    Have pruned the lower branches of our Paulownia tomentosa and can confirm that the stems are hollow. Leaves look identical to your photos. In the U.K. the flower buds are already well formed on the tree, ready for next spring. Over here its common name is "Foxglove tree".
     
  6. Jon45150

    Jon45150 Active Member

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    OK, thank you all! I read on one site it was spread to the U.S. from the seeds being used as packing peanuts for shipping china abroad.
     

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