Paulownia (Royal Paulownia or Empress Tree)
Paulownia tomentosa • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and coarse-textured; exhibits a very open-pore structure similar to Ash or Oak but with significantly lower density. Some subtle cathedral figuring is visible in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a very light blonde to silvery-gray or light brown, sometimes with a lavender or reddish hue. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. Luster is low to medium and it tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
300 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance, but susceptible to insect attack. It exhibits high dimensional stability due to low shrinkage coefficients.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially Asian string instruments like the koto), surfboards, boat building, light aircraft components, veneer, carvings, and lightweight furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and Western China; widely naturalized in North America and cultivated in plantations globally.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $10.00 per board foot (varies significantly by grade and specifically for instrument use).
Wood Age Estimate
Young to freshly milled (less than 1 year since surfacing); the wood shows no signs of oxidation, deep patina, or wear patterns, retaining its original bright, pale color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; considered an invasive species in parts of North America but widely available as plantation-grown timber.
Workability
Easily worked with both hand and machine tools due to its low density. However, because it is so soft, it is prone to indentation and requires very sharp tools to prevent fuzzy surfaces. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Extraordinarily lightweight with one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any hardwood. It has a high ignition point (flash point) and low thermal conductivity.
Finish Recommendations
Lightweight oils or water-based polyurethanes are recommended to preserve the natural light color. It is highly porous and may require a sanding sealer if a high-gloss finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of extremely light color, very large open pores, and the visible soft texture characteristic of Paulownia distinguishes it from similar-looking but denser woods like Ash or Catalpa.