Empress Tree.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 50 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions but prefers fertile loams. Watch for signs of invasiveness; in areas where it's a problem, consider removing seed pods before they mature.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year to establish, then as needed based on rainfall. Ensure the soil dries out slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support growth.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the tree. Aggressive pruning can encourage larger leaves.

Repotting

Rarely needs repotting as it is a large tree; focus on pruning for established specimens. Young trees can be repotted if root-bound.

Soil

Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types

Soil pH

5.5-7.0

Temperature

-18 to 29°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

The seeds and leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It's best to avoid consumption.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Small children could potentially choke on the small seeds if they were to ingest them.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are typically associated with this plant.

Airborne allergens

Pollen can be a mild allergen for some individuals during its blooming season.

Edibility

While some sources mention historical uses, it is not recommended for consumption due to potential toxicity and lack of widespread cultivation for food.

How to identify it

• Large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves
• Showy clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers
• Fast-growing habit
• Gnarly, spreading branches
• Upright, vase-shaped seed capsules

Height

12 to 15m

Spread

12 to 15m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

Pale Purple, White, 5 to 7cm

Fruit

Brown, Fall

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and distorted growth.
• Powdery Mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems, hindering photosynthesis.
• Verticillium Wilt — A soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and dieback of branches.
• Slime Flux — A bacterial disease causing oozing, foul-smelling slime from wounds or cracks in the bark.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed, Cuttings, Division

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Consider planting it with other pioneer species that can tolerate similar conditions, but be mindful of its aggressive growth habit.

Grows well with

• Black Locust — Both are nitrogen-fixers that can improve soil conditions, benefiting each other in challenging environments.
• Sumac — These shrubs can tolerate similar soil conditions and provide habitat structure in open areas.
• Eastern Redbud — They share a preference for well-drained soil and can co-exist, providing varied bloom times.

Keep away from

• Native forest trees — Its aggressive growth can outcompete and shade out slower-growing native tree species, impacting forest structure.
• Certain invasive grasses — In disturbed areas, it can create conditions that favor the spread of invasive grasses, further altering the ecosystem.

Similar species

• Catalpa — Both have large leaves and produce showy flower spikes, though Catalpa generally has larger, more robust flowers.
• Empress Splendor — This is a hybrid of Paulownia tomentosa and Paulownia fortunei, often faster-growing and sterile, reducing its invasive potential.

Science

Family

Paulowniaceae

Genus

Paulownia

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Central and Eastern China.

Conservation

Considered invasive in parts of North America, it is not typically of conservation concern. Avoid planting in regions where it is listed as invasive.

It thrives in disturbed areas, quickly colonizing open ground with its fast growth and prolific seed production.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, timber, erosion control

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does Paulownia tomentosa grow?

It's one of the fastest-growing trees, often reaching a significant size within its first decade.

Can I plant this tree in my garden?

Consider its invasive potential in your region before planting. Check with local resources for guidance.

What are the flowers like?

It produces beautiful, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically pale violet or lavender.

Does it need a lot of water?

While it tolerates a range of conditions, it prefers moist soil, especially when young.

Is the wood valuable?

Yes, its lightweight, strong, and warp-resistant wood is used for furniture, musical instruments, and more.

Where the name comes from

The genus name, Paulownia, honors Queen Anna Pavlovna of the Netherlands. The species name, tomentosa, refers to the downy or woolly hairs found on its leaves and young shoots.

Good to know

• Its common name, 'Empress Tree' or 'Princess Tree,' comes from the German Princess Anna Pavlovna of the Netherlands, who was gifted seeds.
• The wood is very lightweight and fire-resistant, making it desirable for furniture and construction.
• It can regenerate from stumps, allowing it to regrow quickly after logging or damage.
• The large leaves can be up to two feet across.
• It's known for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.