“Princess Tree” Paulownia Tree Print

Relief print of a Paulownia from Columbia, SC on handmade paper using black ink.

21"× 18"

This is Paulownia, Princess Tree or Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
This wood is so incredibly lightweight but super strong and durable, earning it the title “aluminum of timber. “ To give you an idea of how light it is in the hand, it’s 1/3 the weight of Oak. It’s the second lightest wood, by density, behind Balsa. And for this reason it is used to make surfboards, kayaks, boats and toys. And is used for carving. It’s native to Japan and Korea. But here in the states it’s considered highly invasive due to its immense seed production and it grows extremely fast. I know it’s one of the fastest growing trees in the world, growing up to seven feet in its first year and capable of reaching maturity in less than 10 years. And a single tree can produce up to 20 million seeds each year!
This one that I printed was grown here locally in South Carolina as an ornamental landscaping tree, probably without knowing or taking into consideration just how fast and tall they get. It really is a beautiful tree though. They have massive heart shaped leaves. And right when spring starts to creep in, this tree puts on a show. Its purple flowers bloom, well before the leaves come back, filling the air with a fragrant sweet smell. I’d say it’s a mix between vanilla and honey. It’s definitely unique! And the flowers are edible.

Each print is hand printed straight from the stump. So each is an original. This makes each print unique and one of a kind. Expect subtle differences in each print. These differences include orientation, color, gradient and subtle differences. Also, each one is printed after the order is placed. It may be 10-14 days before your order is shipped. Please be patient. It is coming. Thank you for your order!

I roam the world  looking for felled trees. Looking to give trees a second chance at life. Every tree has a story. And their rings tell that story. I love finding patterns in nature and sharing what I’ve found. Nature is always talking to us. We just have to listen. 

******INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE READ!***** 

If you are buying outside of the United States as an international buyer, you must leave a telephone number. This is required by the carrier that will be delivering your print. Also, please read up on the local custom/duty taxes for your country. I do not pay the customs/duty taxes. The buyer is responsible for the custom/duty taxes for the country it’s being shipped to.