POLONIA

As you travel along the Susquehanna Flats from US Route 1 at Conowingo you can spot the hundreds of polonia trees that grace the stretch of unbroken wilderness that looks like a plantation entrance to Port Deposit.

Polonia trees have a magnificent light purple blossoms that covers the tree in the spring. It will capture your curiosity as it looks like groups of flowers or hanging grapes blooming high in the air.

The wood from this tree is very light and stable. Upon splitting a polonia log one would notice a drinking straw center that the tree draws water through to support it rapid growth. Local Decoy carvers like the wood for its ability to remain stable and not shrink or to absorb water when wet. Hand-carving is much easier too due to the light cellulose nature of the pulp. 

In centuries past these seeds were used to pack porcelain and other fragile goods from Orient. During Colonial days when goods were being transported some seeds escaped their packing containers to populate the lower Susquehanna region.

This Lower Susquehanna river region is ideal for this type of trees growth. Polonia seeds have a soft furry-feathery coating that being so light help them drift afar with the wind. And being close to the river there is ample water to feed their rapid growth.

Once fully grown a sizable log today can bring thousands of dollars on the market which makes these tree a valuable commodity.  Japanese wood carving artisans revere the wood. One reason is the religious and artistic value the Japanese place on the wood which is an important element for those who must pass a final test of craftsmanship for making a tea service box in which the lid has to be so airtight that it settles ever so slowly when closed. The boxes are part of a newly married couple’s treasured heirlooms