Download Common Name: Empress Tree Scientific Name: Paulownia

Common Name: Empress Tree
Scientific Name:
Paulownia tomentosa
Order: Scrophulariales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Description
This tree maintains green leaves in the
summer and shades of brown in the
fall. These deciduous palmate leaves
are thin, flat, and obtain some leaf
hairs. These leaves are also smooth, long, and have no thorns. The length of the leaves may be
compared to the length of a writing pen or pencil, which is approximately four to eight inches.
The leaves are common in opposite arrangement, but can also be whorled. Empress tree produces
both fruit and flowers, as well. The flowers bloom before the leaves are grown. The flowering
season is in spring. They bloom in April in multiple shades of purple such as lavender and violet.
These flowers are radically symmetrical and are grouped together in tight clusters. They also
have a somewhat vanilla fragrance. The fruits are brown and one to three inches in length when
they have reached maturity. The fruits have an acorn shape, are dry, and are poisonous.
Growth Habit
Empress tree is a relatively large tree that can grow 30 to 60 feet in height and up to 50 feet in
width. However, the most common height ranges from 30 to 40 feet. It is also fast growing and
has a trunk that can be multiple shades of brown. The trunk’s diameter may be compared to that
of a coffee mug, but diameters vary. The bark is also known to peel and the limbs are known to
droop. Also, the roots may come to the surface of the ground.
Hardiness Zone(s)
The hardiness zones of the empress tree ranges from five to nine.
Culture
This large tree requires a lot of sun and needs to be weeded regularly. Mechanical and chemical
controls are often used for weed control. Pruning needs to be done on a regular basis due to the
size of the tree. It needs to be in an area with much space to grow freely. An open field or park
are good examples. Soil with much acid is optimal for the growth of the plant. Soils with a
neutral and basic pH can also be suitable for the plant. Most soils such as sandy, loamy, clay, and
well-drained consistencies are healthy for the plant, but well-drained and moist soils are best.
Empress tree also tolerates atmospheric pollution.
Diseases & Insects
This plant generally has no pests. The plant can actually be more of a pest to people. It is very
hard to get rid of. The plants can withstand fire, cutting, and bulldozing. Squirrels and birds do
not take fruit or flowers from it. Empress tree actually repels insects and pests, and is also
resistant to honey fungus. A few diseases such as mildew, leaf-spot and twig canker have caused
problems to the empress tree in some areas, but this is rare.
Landscape Value
Empress tree is used for shade, medicines, timber, and ornamental purposes. Japan greatly values
this timber and often imports this tree from the United States. It is lightweight and makes good
quality furniture. Empress tree wood is used for firewood also. This wood is liked so much
because it is a pest tolerant.
References
Brun. C. 2015. Empress Tree. NorthWest Plants Database System, Washington State University.
Online. <http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=323> Accessed 15
April 2015.
Gilman, E. F. and D. G. Watson. 2015. Paulownia tomentosa: Princess-Tree. University of
Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Online. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st433>
Accessed 15 April 2015.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2015. PLANTS Database. Plants Data Team, United
States Department of Agriculture, Greensboro, North Carolina. <
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CECA4> Accessed 15 April 2015.
Plants For A Future. 2015. Paulownia tomentosa. Online.
<http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Paulownia+tomentosa> Accessed 15 April
2015.
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. 2015. Princess Tree. The Bugwood Network, The
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Warnell
School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Online.
<http://www.se-eppc.org/manual/princess.html> Accessed 15 April 2015.
Swearingen, J., B. Slattery, K. Reshetiloff, and S. Zwicker. 2010. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic
Natural Areas, 4th ed. National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Washington, DC. 168pp.
This document was authored by Jessica Harper, Division of Nursing, Louisiana Tech
University, April 2015.