Empress tree 'Paulonia'

Paulownia tomentosa

How to grow Empress tree 'Paulonia'

  • Full Sun

Cannot tolerate shade.

Growing Paulonia from seed

Transplanting Paulonia

Harvesting Paulonia

Seeds are poisonous.

Empress tree Paulonia Etymology

Paulownia is in honor of the Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, with tomentosa being derived from the Latin meaning ‘covered in hairs’.

Paulonia folklore & trivia

In China, an old custom is to plant an Empress Tree when a baby girl is born. The fast-growing tree matures when she does. When she is eligible for marriage the tree is cut down and carved into wooden articles for her dowry.

Other Names for Empress tree 'Paulonia'

empress tree, princess tree or foxglove tree