Brothers International LTD

"We specialize strictly in Paulownia, helping others who wish to start their own plantation"

To contact us:

Phone: 423-278-8891

Fax: 423-623-5465

E-mail: DavidSutton@paulowniaseed.com

Formally Early Bird Nursery

Text Box: Is Paulownia toxic to wildlife? Good Afternoon... I am interested in raising Paulownia, either the tomentosa or catalpafolia, but need to ask about the toxic level of the plant prior to ordering seed from you. In my spare time, I assist a waterfowl rescue group. I live on 10 acres with a 1 acre pond in Southeast Texas. My personal waterfowl have access to most of my property (swans, ducks), plus I have an incredible amount of wild waterfowl and other wildlife that live/visit my property. I read on someone's website that the Paulownia does have a toxic property, but it didn't say what or how. Are the seeds / leaves toxic if ingested? With all the wildlife there in Tennessee, I'm sure deer and birds have been exposed to both the seeds and leaves. Could you please let me know if the Paulownia tree will be harmful or not to my waterfowl / wildlife situation. THANK YOU !!! Karen S. Thank you for your interest and good question. The short answer is no, not to my knowledge. Here is my reasoning behind this answer. About myself, I have a BS degree from the College of Agriculture at UT Knoxville in 1976. It was it Wildlife and Fishers Sciences. So, I have a very good background in wildlife. Further, I have been studying, observing, and raising Paulownia since 1988. Yes, I too read bad things too about Paulownia on the internet. Mostly how invasive it is. This is not true! It is a non-native to North America. The germination requirements greatly limit its ability to be anything more then a companion tree to other species. Some people just want natives. Everything else is bad news. Toxic is something new to me. It would be good if you could refer me to that site to look into the matter more. This is what I have learned over the years about Paulownia’s danger to wildlife. ● The Chinese feed the leaves to their live stock. ● Deer will eat the growing leaves and buds. ● Though seed have little energy value, I have observed small birds getting the seed from the seed pods in the fall of the year. ● I have personally eaten young, tender, 8 week old Paulownia leaves in years past. I had have no ill effects. It is quite tasty, much like spinach or lettuce! Hope that helps, David Sutton

David Sutton

PO Box 100

Parrottsville, TN 37843

USA

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Voice: 1-423-278-8891

Fax: 1-423-623-5465

DavidSutton@paulowniaseed.com

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