On the radio show last week Howard mentioned a fast growing tree with purple flowers that was used for making furniture. What is the name of this tree and where can I obtain it?

There have been several questions lately about this tree, paulownia tomentosa, but there is no need to get very excited about this one. This tree could become too invasive if very many specimens are introduced into the area. Also, the blue-violet flowers are often nipped in the bud by late frosts in the spring, similar to what happens to Bradford pears, saucer magnolias, etc. If it does happen to bloom then the dreaded seeds and seedlings will follow. The leaves will show little or no fall color. This plant has been deceivingly marketed to grow almost anywhere but according to what I have read it is only reliable for Zone 7 and southward. The confusing thing is that the "living" wood is described to be weak and brittle but supposedly there has been an interest in growing this tree for the lumber
Hopefully this tree is not readily available. How about a Little Gem magnolia?

Little Gems are lovely trees!
I agree