SelecTree: Tree Detail
EMPRESS TREE
Paulownia tomentosa
Photo Locations: Dallas Arboretum - Dallas, TX, Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo, CA, Reedley, CA, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC, Hoyt Arboretum - Portland, OR, Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles County Arboretum - Arcadia, CA and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA
General Notes
Wood is used for furniture making in Japan. Blooms in spring. Hardy to 15 degrees F.
Has fragrant Flower.
Native to China.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Additional Common Names
EMPRESS TREE, PRINCESS TREE, ROYAL PAULOWNIA TREE
Tree Characteristics
Erect or Spreading and requires ample growing space.
Oval or Rounded Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 40 - 50 feet.
Width: 40 - 50 feet.
Growth Rate: 36 Inches per Year.
Longevity 40 to 150 years.
Leaves Ovate to Palmately Lobed, Medium to Light Green, Bronze or Gold, Deciduous.
Flowers Showy. Fragrant Blue, Lavender or Yellow. Flowers in Spring. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Brown Capsule, Large (1.50 - 3.00 inches), fruiting in Spring.
Bark Black or Dark Gray, Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate out of Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit and Twigs.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 4 - 9 and 11 - 24.
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 8.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium Weak
Root Damage Potential Rated as High.
None Known Health Hazard.
Desirable Wildlife Plant.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Paulownia tomentosa Tree Record." 1995-2019. Feb 23, 2019.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/paulownia-tomentosa >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.