Royal Paulownia, Empress Tree, Princess Tree
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 30-40' tall and wide, may grow 50-60' tall in optimal conditions. Fast growth rate, 14-17' in 4-5 years.

Native Range

China, introduced 1834. Escaped from cultivation from southern New York to Georgia.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are pale violet with darker spots and yellow stripes inside, 2" long, borne in April, vanilla scented. Fruits are ovoid, dehisant capsules, beaked, light-dirty-brown, 1-2" long, containing up to 2,000 winged seeds.

Leaf and Bark Features

Fall color is of no consequence as leaves usually drop off green.

Culture and Care

Transplant balled/burlapped in early spring into moist, well-drained soil, full sun or partial shade. Zones 6-9. Mildew and Twig canker have been reported. Wood tends to be somewhat brittle.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Similar to Catalpa, dense shade restricts grass growth.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA