Empress Tree
Paulownia tomentosa · Deciduous, broadleaf, hardwood
Plant Family
Paulowniaceae
Tree Category
Shade tree, ornamental, fast-growing pioneer tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no widely planted specific cultivar visible
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, adaptable to various climates but sensitive to extreme prolonged winter freezes
About This Tree
An open-canopied, fast-growing deciduous tree with coarse branches, massive heart-shaped leaves, and prominent upright clusters of pale violet, foxglove-like flowers in early spring
Leaf Characteristics
Very large, simple, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves up to 12 inches or more across, opposite arrangement, smooth or slightly lobed margins, light green color with pubescent underside
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, grayish-brown bark when young, becoming shallowly furrowed and rough with flat-topped ridges as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to central and western China, widely naturalized in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia
Growing Season
Extremely fast-growing in spring and summer, produces showy purple-violet flowers in early spring before leaves fully emerge, enters dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth, moderate watering needs once established, highly adaptable and moderately drought-tolerant
Mature Size
Expected height of 30 to 50 feet with an equally wide spreading crown, exceptionally fast growth rate of up to 10-15 feet per year in youth, short-to-moderate lifespan of 50-70 years
Special Characteristics
Remarkably fast growth rate, exceptionally lightweight yet strong timber, fragrant showy spring flowers, but can be invasive in disturbed habitats due to prolific seed production
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides early-season nectar for bees and pollinators, offers nesting cover for various songbirds, though its dense shade and heavy leaf litter can alter local understory ecology