4. Foxglove Tree

Common Name - Foxglove Tree

Latin Name - Paulownia tomentosa

Height 10 to 25 Metres

Commonly, known by several names including the Foxglove, Empress or Princess Tree (Japan) this particular broad, medium-sized deciduous tree originates from Central and Western China. The Paulownia tree is extremely fast growing and can reach an ultimate height of approximately, 25 metres and has very large heart shaped foliage and fragrant, light lilac-purple flowers, which, are produced before the leaves in early spring.  The fruit of the Paulownia are dry and egg-shaped and contain numerous tiny winged seeds dispersed by wind and water. Interestingly, although not something we associate with Britain these tree can survive wildfires because the roots can regenerate new and fast growing stems.

In other regions of the World the coppicing of the tree is used to produce a harvest of fodder for cattle and historically, the lightweight seeds, once superseded polystyrene packing and provided a medium for helping transport Chinese porcelain in the 19^th Century. Additionally, these trees are used around the globe in organic farming methods, proving suitable shade for cash crops like coffee plants.