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Paulownia spp.

empress tree

Paulowniaceae East Asia (centered in China)

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Paulownia spp. is a genus of about seven fast-growing deciduous trees in the family Paulowniaceae, native to East Asia and centered in China. Trees reach 30-60 feet (9-18 m) tall with broad, rounded crowns and large, heart-shaped leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, or much larger on young coppiced shoots. In early to mid-spring, before the leaves expand, upright panicles of tubular, foxglove-shaped flowers open in shades of violet, lavender, and pale purple, followed by woody egg-shaped capsules holding many winged seeds. Growth is rapid, with young plants extending 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) in a single season, and the pale wood is lightweight and used for furniture, musical instruments, and plywood. P. tomentosa has naturalized widely and is listed as an invasive species across parts of the eastern United States, where it seeds into disturbed ground and riverbanks. The brittle wood, suckering roots, and heavy seed production are drawbacks in small or managed landscapes.

Native Range

East Asia, with most species native to China and some extending to Korea, Laos, and Vietnam. P. tomentosa has naturalized in Japan, Europe, and North America.

Suggested Uses

Paulownia spp. is grown as a fast shade tree, as a timber and biomass crop, and in coppiced plantings for oversized ornamental foliage. Its rapid growth is used for quick screening, though its spread limits its use near natural areas in regions where it has naturalized.

How to Identify

Recognized by very large, heart-shaped leaves and, in spring, erect panicles of violet to lavender foxglove-shaped flowers borne before the foliage. Fuzzy brown flower buds form in autumn and overwinter at the branch tips. The fruit is a woody, pointed capsule that splits to release many small winged seeds.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 60'

Width/Spread30' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers open in early to mid-spring, generally April to May, before or as the leaves emerge. The upright clusters of tubular violet to lavender flowers are fragrant and draw bees. Flowering depends on overwintering buds, so blooms can be lost in regions with hard late-winter freezes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Violet, lavender, and pale purple

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Reaches flowering size in 4-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Paulownia spp. grows in full sun and a wide range of well-drained soils, tolerating poor and disturbed ground once established. Young trees are drought tolerant after the first few seasons but grow fastest with steady moisture and warmth. The roots are hardy to about USDA zone 5, though top growth can be killed back by hard freezes in colder areas, after which the tree resprouts. Brittle branches are prone to storm breakage, and the species seeds and suckers freely. In coppiced systems plants are cut to the ground each year to produce oversized foliage and tall, straight shoots.

Pruning

Trees can be thinned in winter to remove crossing or storm-damaged branches and to raise the crown. For large foliage and timber, plants are coppiced or pollarded hard in late winter, which sacrifices flowering. Suckers and self-sown seedlings are removed to limit spread.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown

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Trees

Paulownia spp.

empress tree

Paulowniaceae East Asia (centered in China)

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Native Range

East Asia, with most species native to China and some extending to Korea, Laos, and Vietnam. P. tomentosa has naturalized in Japan, Europe, and North America.