Its Paulownia tomentosa, the "Princess Tree".

You are only the third person to ask in this newsgroup.


Richard wrote in message
. ..
Can anyone help me identify a tree I saw recently while in Maryland in
early May. Understory-type tree, at the end of the branches it had cone-
shaped clusters of purple (lavender) tubular flowers. Leaves weren't
really
too far out, and I never got close enough to identify their exact shape.
Seen it growing along the metro line between Baltimore and Hunt Valley. I
know it isn't dogwood, or wisteria growing in other trees (the only
answers
the people I was with could give me).