Princess Tree

(Paulownia tomentosa)

Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the princess tree, empress tree, or foxglove-tree, is a deciduous hardwood tree native to central and western China and Korea. It is an extremely fast-growing tree, reaching heights of 10–25 m (33–82 ft) with a broad, rounded canopy. The large, heart-shaped to five-lobed leaves are a notable feature, along with the very fragrant, violet-blue flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge, resembling foxglove flowers. The fruit is a dry, egg-shaped capsule containing numerous tiny, winged seeds that disperse by wind and water. In its native habitat, Paulownia tomentosa grows in a variety of settings, including forest margins and open woodlands.

The princess tree is valued for its rapid growth, ornamental flowers, and ability to thrive in urban environments due to its pollution tolerance. It is used for shade, ornamental plantings, and reforestation projects. However, it is also recognized for its invasive potential outside its native range, particularly in the Eastern United States and parts of Europe. It requires full sun and can grow in various soil types, with a preference for well-drained soils. It can even sprout from small cracks in pavements and walls. After wildfires, the resilient roots can regenerate new stems quickly. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive, and pollarded trees will not produce flowers since they only form on mature wood.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-80 feet
  • Width: 30-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to forest margins and open woodlands in central and western China

Other Names

Common Names: Foxglove Tree , Karritree , Empress Tree , Princesstree , Royal Paulownia , Chinesischer Blauglockenbaum , Paulownia Impérial , Anna Paulownaboom , Kejsarträd , Empress Tree

Scientific Names: Paulownia tomentosa , Paulownia imperialis , Paulownia coreana , Paulownia tomentosa var. lanata , Paulownia lilacina , Paulownia tomentosa var. tomentosa , Bignonia tomentosa , Paulownia recurva , Incarvillea tomentosa , Paulownia grandifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.