paulownia

noun pau·low·nia \ pȯ-ˈlō-nē-ə \

Definition of paulownia

: any of a genus (Paulownia) of Chinese trees of the snapdragon family; especially : one (P. tomentosa) widely cultivated for its panicles of fragrant violet flowers

Recent Examples of paulownia from the Web

Outside, Thomas planted a small forest of coffee, paulownia and black walnut trees, where squirrels and birds congregate.

— julia terruso, Philly.com, "Northern Liberties log cabin for sale: $639,000," 11 Dec. 2017
Cedar saplings, a nod to Hendrix’s Cherokee heritage, mingle with paulownias, which will eventually bloom purple flowers.

— gregory scruggs, New York Times, "Jimi Hendrix Park Opens at Last, With a Purple Flourish," 18 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paulownia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.