Paulownia (Empress or Princess Tree)*

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Empress Tree
Paulownia tomentosa

Blooming Paulownia
Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Life Cycle: deciduous tree

Growth habit: small to medium tree that reaches a height of 30-60 ft. Produces clusters of light purple, fragrant flowers in the spring. Paulownia is a highly competitive, invasive* ornamental tree that grows rapidly 

Paulownia seedling
Photo: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org 


Flowers in spring
Photo: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org 

Reproduction: produces numerous winged seeds, dried capsules (houses the seeds) mature in the fall and remain attached to the tree through winter. Suckers from root or stump  

Fruit cluster in June
Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Conditions that favor growth: disturbed natural areas, including forests, streambanks, and steep rocky slopes. Prefers sun

Cultural control: hand pull young seedlings, including the root system when the soil is moist. Cut young trees at the base if flowering to prevent seed formation

Additional Information

• Invasive Tree Control 
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
• (PDF) Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas