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Name That Plant!

Unusual tall, big leafed plant, any ideas what it is?

14 years ago

This weekend we came along this huge plant that I've never seen before and everyone we've asked has not been able to figure it out. It stands about 10 feet tall (you can see that it is above the doorway to the store) and the leaf is about 12 inches across. There are no blooms on the plant. Even the store owner didn't know what it was and said they haven't been able to figure it out! She said they just call it their beanstalk. :) I would love if anyone can identify this plant!

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Comments (10)

catman529
14 years ago
Royal Paulownia.
Carrie B
14 years ago
paulownia tomentosa, I believe.

Here is a link that might be useful: Paulownia
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shannonga
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow, you all are great! I believe that's it, thanks so much! It was driving me crazy trying to figure it out :)
Iris GW
14 years ago
On the top ten invasive plant list in Georgia. The owner should be encouraged to destroy it.
catman529
14 years ago
I love it just because of the size it gets in its first year as a seedling. After a couple years it gets lots of large white/purple flowers that actually look nice. But since it's an invasive in GA I guess you should go with esh_ga's advice. Around here in Middle TN it's fairly common but definitely not very invasive.
shannonga
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks esh_ga and catman. I don't have any intention of planting it, especially if it's very invasive, but just found it very interesting and unique. I had never seen it before and was curious what it was. I'll have to pass along the information to the store owner, thanks again!
mgood4u
14 years ago
This is growing in my garden spot. Anyone know what it is? Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: plant pics
Iris GW
14 years ago
mgood, if this is it, it looks like ragweed - giant ragweed.

{{gwi:281820}}
catman529
14 years ago
mgood4u - Great Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) - yes, that's definitely your plant. In ideal conditions, I've seen it grow up to at least 15 feet tall. Right now, it's somewhere around 7 or 8 feet or so. It seems to reach its biggest near or in drainage ditches, or near creeks or other bodies of water. A goood water supply will grow huge ragweed. It even grows huge in the forest understory near the creek...
bronwynspetalpatch
14 years ago
wow... a lot of people have posted for this same tree the past month... I even did about a month ago :o)

my neighbor here in NJ cuts it back every fall because its against the foundation of his tiny cottage. He doesnt dig it out though because he likes the giant leaves and gives privacy to his porch....its a cool looking tree. I agree. If you like it, just cut it back every fall. But it wont produce flowers. At least it doesnt for my neighbor.

have fun with it........... Bronwyn

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