Paulownia tomentosa, empress tree
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Paulownia tomentosa

empress tree

PaulowniaceaeCentral and western China

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-50 feet (9-15 m)
Width30-40 feet (9-12 m)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Paulownia tomentosa is a fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a spread of 30-40 feet (9-12 m), developing a broad, rounded to irregular crown with coarse, open branching. Growth rate is rapid at 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) per year in favorable conditions; coppiced or juvenile stems may grow 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m) in a single season. Bark is smooth, grayish-brown on young trees, becoming slightly roughened on mature trunks. Leaves are opposite, simple, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long on mature trees and up to 24 inches (61 cm) on vigorous juvenile or coppiced growth; leaves are densely pubescent on both surfaces. Terminal panicles, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long, of tubular, pale violet to lavender flowers, each 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.5 inches (4 cm) across, appear in April to May before leaves emerge. Flower buds form the previous summer and are held in conspicuous brown, velvety clusters through winter; buds are killed at temperatures below approximately -10°F (-23°C), resulting in no bloom in cold winters. Flowers are fragrant, with a vanilla-like scent. Woody, ovoid seed capsules, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, split open in fall, each releasing several thousand tiny winged seeds. Self-seeding is prolific; the species is classified as invasive in the eastern and southeastern United States, where it colonizes disturbed sites, roadsides, and forest margins. Wood is brittle; branches break in ice and wind storms. Leaves, flowers, and seed capsules create significant litter throughout the year.

Native Range

Native to central and western China, in provinces including Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Occurs in mountain forests and forest margins at elevations of 1,600-5,900 feet (500-1,800 m). Widely naturalized in the eastern and southeastern United States, Japan, and parts of Europe, where it is classified as invasive in many regions.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree where space allows for its 30-50 foot (9-15 m) mature size and litter management. Coppiced specimens provide large-leaved foliage effect in borders. Tolerates urban conditions including pollution, compacted soil, and heat. Not recommended for planting near natural areas, forest margins, or riparian zones due to invasive self-seeding potential. Not recommended near structures, parking areas, or overhead utilities due to brittle wood and litter.

How to Identify

Identified by large, heart-shaped leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long (to 24 inches / 61 cm on juvenile growth) with dense pubescence on both surfaces. Terminal panicles of tubular, pale violet flowers 2 inches (5 cm) long appear on bare branches in spring. Conspicuous brown, velvety flower bud clusters persist through winter. Woody, ovoid seed capsules 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long persist after seed release. Distinguished from Catalpa species by opposite (not whorled) leaves and violet (not white) flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread30' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
lavender

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers appear in April to May before leaf emergence, lasting 2-3 weeks. Flower buds form the previous summer and overwinter in conspicuous velvety brown clusters. Buds are cold-sensitive and are killed at approximately -10°F (-23°C), so flowering is unreliable in USDA zones 5 and colder. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically occurs in mid-April to early May in western lowland areas.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale violet to lavender

Foliage Description

Medium green, densely pubescent

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full 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 Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental water. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, pH levels, and poor soils, including compacted urban soils. Cleanup of flower, leaf, and seed capsule litter is required throughout the year. Check local invasive species lists before planting; classified as invasive in the eastern and southeastern United States, where it colonizes disturbed sites and forest margins. Remove volunteer seedlings regularly to prevent spread. Brittle wood is susceptible to breakage in ice storms and high winds; avoid planting near structures, power lines, or parking areas. No serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February) while dormant. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Brittle wood may require cleanup of storm-damaged limbs throughout the year. Coppicing — cutting to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above ground annually in late winter — produces vigorous single-stemmed regrowth with leaves up to 24 inches (61 cm) across but eliminates flowering for that season. Crown thinning every 3-5 years reduces wind resistance and breakage risk.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

high

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic