Empress Tree Paulownia tomentosa
ABOUT
The common name of Paulownia tomentosa is the Empress Tree or Princess Tree. It is known for its distinctive large, heart-shaped leaves which can be fuzzy and are often a vibrant green color. Throughout spring, it carries a profuse display of fragrant flowers that are pale violet to a lavender hue, usually arranged in upright panicles. These blossoms are showy and tubular, resembling foxgloves, and attract a variety of pollinators including bees. After flowering, the tree produces oval, woody capsules that contain numerous tiny winged seeds. The Empress Tree's bark is rough and gray, providing a striking contrast to its soft, sizeable leaves and gentle-colored blooms. Overall, the presentation of the Empress Tree is one of lush foliage and captivating blossoms, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paulowniaceae.
Synonyms
Princess Tree, Empress Tree, Foxglove Tree, Royal Paulownia, Paulownia, Sapphire Dragon.
Common names
Paulownia imperialis, Bignonia tomentosa, Paulownia tomentosa var. tsinlingensis, Paulownia tomentosa var. lanata.
ToxicityTo humans
Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the empress tree, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity from ingesting parts of this plant. Consequently, symptoms of poisoning and possible consequences are not established.
To pets
The empress tree, or Paulownia tomentosa, is also not widely recognized as being toxic to pets. As with its effects on humans, there is limited information on the plant causing poisoning in animals. In the absence of any specific toxic compounds known to affect pets, signs of poisoning and potential consequences of ingestion are not detailed. However, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
30 feet (9 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Fast Growth: Paulownia tomentosa is known for its rapid growth rate, which can be beneficial for timber production.
- Shade Provision: Its large leaves and broad canopy provide extensive shade, making it suitable for parks and large gardens.
- Soil Improvement: The tree has the ability to improve soil quality through leaf litter and root system interaction.
- Ornamental Value: With showy, fragrant flowers, it is often used as an ornamental tree for landscaping.
- Reforestation: Due to its fast growth, it can be used in reforestation efforts to quickly reestablish tree cover.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the tree is tolerant of drought, requiring minimal water resources.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion.
- Carbon Sequestration: As a fast-growing tree, it can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a high rate.
- Honey Production: The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees, supporting honey production.
- Lightweight Timber: Paulownia wood is light yet strong, making it a valuable material for crafting and construction.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Extracts from Paulownia tomentosa have shown potential anti-inflammatory effects in some studies.
- Antioxidant: The leaves and flowers may contain compounds with antioxidant properties that can neutralize free radicals.
- Antimicrobial: Some research suggests that the plant may have antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Hepatoprotective: There is evidence indicating possible protective effects on the liver from certain compounds found in the plant.
- Wound healing: Traditionally, parts of the plant have been applied in some cultures to promote wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Food for livestock: The leaves of the Paulownia tomentosa can be used as fodder for livestock, providing a good source of nutrition for animals such as cattle and sheep.
- Soundboard material for musical instruments: The wood of Paulownia tomentosa is prized for its acoustic properties, making it suitable for manufacturing the soundboards of stringed instruments such as guitars and pianos.
- Honey plant: Paulownia tomentosa is an excellent nectar source for bees, and the flowers are used in apiculture to produce a light and delicate honey.
- Art and craft material: Due to the wood's light weight and ability to be easily carved, it is used for making art pieces, crafts, and decorative objects.
- Surfboards: The buoyant and lightweight nature of the wood makes it a good material for crafting surfboards and other water sport equipment.
- Fisheries: The large leaves of the Paulownia tomentosa can be used to feed fish in aquaculture, contributing to sustainable fish farming practices.
- Erosion control: The tree's fast-growing root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and riverbanks.
- Ornamental purposes: The attractive, fragrant blossoms and unique foliage make Paulownia tomentosa a popular choice for ornamental planting in parks and gardens.
- Biomass production: The fast growth rate of Paulownia tomentosa makes it suitable for renewable biomass energy production.
- Packing materials: Lightweight yet strong, the wood of Paulownia tomentosa is used for making crates and boxes to transport fragile items safely.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Empress Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Empress Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty: Paulownia tomentosa is known as the "princess tree" and is associated with royalty in Japan, where it is traditionally planted when a girl is born and then used to make items for her wedding.
- Good Fortune: The tree is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune, as its rapid growth is seen as a sign of prosperity.
- Femininity: Due to its association with the birth of a girl and the tradition of the princess tree, Paulownia tomentosa symbolizes femininity and the celebration of female milestones.
- Resilience: The princess tree is able to thrive in harsh conditions and can regrow even after being cut down, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Wealth: The tree represents wealth both because of its connection to prosperity through good fortune and since Paulownia wood is valuable and used for making fine furniture and musical instruments.
WaterThe Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) requires watering every 7 to 10 days, but it's essential to adjust this schedule during hot, dry periods where more frequent watering may be necessary. Young trees especially benefit from keeping the soil consistently moist, so providing about 1-2 gallons per watering will help establish a strong root system. Once mature, the Empress Tree is relatively drought-tolerant, but ensuring the soil doesn't completely dry out is crucial for optimal health. It's best to water deeply at the base of the tree, avoiding overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe Empress Tree performs best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting in a location that provides unfiltered sunlight throughout the day will ensure the tree grows vigorously and blooms well. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to a reduction in flowers and a less robust growth.
TemperatureThe Empress Tree is hardy in a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate a minimum temperature of about -10°F. Optimal growth occurs in temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F. Although the plant is resilient, it should be protected from extreme cold below the minimum threshold, which could damage the tree.
PruningPruning the Empress Tree is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging healthy growth. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the canopy to allow light and air to circulate freely. Pruning can be done annually, but as the tree matures, it may require less frequent pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Empress Tree requires well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost is advantageous. Good organic matter content will help support its rapid growth.
RepottingThe Empress Tree should be repotted every 2 to 3 years in youth, less frequently as it matures, considering its fast growth and potential to become quite large.
Humidity & MistingThe Empress Tree thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample space, and rotate for even growth.
Outdoor
Full sun, space for growth, and protection from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePaulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the Princess Tree or Empress Tree, begins its life cycle with seed dispersal, which typically occurs in winter after the capsule-like fruit has matured and opened. Once on a suitable site, the tiny seeds germinate in spring, ideally requiring a well-drained site with full sunlight. The seedlings experience rapid growth and can establish themselves quickly, often crowding out native vegetation. As the tree matures, it develops heart-shaped leaves and a stout trunk, reaching reproductive maturity in as little as three years. During spring, the tree produces abundant and fragrant violet flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of seed capsules that persist on the tree through autumn and release seeds as they dry. The Princess Tree can live for approximately 50 to 70 years and is capable of resprouting vigorously from roots or stumps if the main trunk is damaged or cut.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the Empress Tree or Princess Tree, can be propagated effectively through seed sowing. The best time for sowing seeds is in the late winter or early spring when the danger of frost has passed, ensuring a longer growing season. To propagate by seeds, a fine layer of soil or starter mix is laid down, and the tiny seeds are sprinkled on top without covering them, as they need light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds typically germinate in about two to three weeks. The seedlings can be grown in pots before being transplanted outdoors after they reach a sufficient size and have been gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. This method is favored for its simplicity and because it allows for the production of a large number of plants relatively quickly.