Why it excels in land restoration
The Paulownia, also known as the Empress Tree or Kiri, is no longer a secret among climate activists and foresters. But what makes it a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change and the ideal choice for restoration projects? This article highlights the exceptional qualities of the Paulownia and its diverse applications.
Fast-Growing and a CO₂ Storage Champion
Paulownia is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. In just ten to twelve years, it reaches a height of 15 to 25 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimeters – native trees like beech or oak need decades for this. This rapid growth allows it to absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
Experts estimate that a Paulownia tree can bind up to 1.2 tons of CO₂ in 20 years – that’s about 46 times more than an oak in the same period. Paulownia plantations store about 36 tons of CO₂ per hectare annually; a beech forest stores only about 18 tons, an oak forest 16 tons, and a spruce forest 25 tons. This makes Paulownia a true climate savior and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas reduction.
Robust, Adaptable, and Bee-Friendly
Paulownia is not only fast-growing but also particularly robust. It thrives in various soils, tolerates heat and drought, and is frost-hardy down to -20 to -25°C. Especially in times of climate change, when native tree species suffer from drought and heat, Paulownia offers a clear advantage.
It is also resistant to pests and is considered a bee-friendly tree species. Its large, nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract numerous insects and thus promote biodiversity. The large leaves improve air quality, bind pollutants, and enrich the soil with humus.
Advantages for Restoration and Soil Quality
As a primary tree for restoration projects, Paulownia offers many advantages:
Rapid Greening: Thanks to its rapid growth, Paulownia quickly creates a green microclimate and protects the soil from erosion.
Soil Improvement: Its deep roots loosen the soil, promote water permeability, and sustainably improve soil quality.
Multiple Uses: After harvesting, the tree regrows from the remaining rootstock, so no replanting is necessary. This reduces labor and preserves soil layers.
Biodiversity: The large flowers and leaves provide habitat and food for many insects, birds, and small animals, promoting biodiversity in restored areas.
Economic and Ecological Uses
Paulownia wood is light, strong, and versatile – ideal for furniture, construction timber, veneers, or even aircraft construction. It is particularly light (250–300 kg/m³) but has similar compressive strength to spruce. The wood is also fire-resistant and excellent for sustainable building projects.
In short-rotation plantations, Paulownia can be harvested multiple times, providing rapidly renewable raw materials for energy wood or wood chips. This relieves pressure on natural forests and reduces demand on existing wood resources.
Challenges and Critical Voices
Despite all its advantages, there are also critical voices: In some countries, Paulownia is classified as a potentially invasive species and spreads through runners and root shoots. In Germany, it is under observation and not always recommended by forest authorities, especially in forests. The tree requires intensive care in its youth, as it is sensitive to competing vegetation and early frosts.
Conclusion: Paulownia – The Climate Tree with Future Potential
Paulownia is a true climate tree: it grows extremely fast, binds large amounts of CO₂, is robust against heat and drought, and promotes biodiversity. For restoration projects, it is especially suitable as a primary tree, as it improves the soil, quickly creates a green microclimate, and can be used sustainably multiple times.
With its numerous ecological and economic benefits, Paulownia is an important building block for sustainable forestry and active climate protection – even though proper care and attention to local conditions are necessary when planting.
With the Paulownia we are investing in the future, renaturation of devastated areas with its help ensures a livable environment for future generations.
Author: Francesco del Orbe
Coverpicture: Pixabay (barbara808) / Climate Tree: paulownia-baumschule.de
