Princess-Tree, Empress Tree

Latin name: Paulownia tomentosa

Etymology: The genus name was given in honor of Russian princess Anna Pavlovna while the species name comes from the Latin word for ‘cushion stuffing’ (tomentum) which has been used in Botany to refer to ‘a layer of matted wooly down on the surface of a plant’.

Family: Paulowniaceae (Empress-trees)

Origin: Eastern and Central China

Native habitats: Deciduous mesophytic forest, mesic ravines, open valleys and disturbed areas 

Though nonnative and widely considered an invasive species, princess tree has not proved invasive in Herrontown Woods’ dense shade. A few were found and left to grow in what is now the Botanical Art Garden. Their large purple  tubular flowers are visited by hummingbirds. Their big leaves can be confused with those of the native catalpa.

Description: Princess-Trees have a height of between 30-60 feet and a diameter of 1-4 feet. Leaves are large and heart-shaped and velvety-hairy beneath. They measure between 6-13”. The bark is grayish brown with shallow fissured bark. Flowers are large and tube-like and appear in large showy upright clusters in the spring. They are purplish with dark spots and yellow stripes inside and vanilla scented. Fruits are somewhat pecan-shaped woody capsules measuring 1-1.5 inches.

Similar species: Catalpa has nearly identical leaves, however, they are smaller and generally appear in whorls. The Catalpa also has long, bean-shaped fruits and white flowers, which appear after the leaves.

Wildlife Value: Hummingbirds have been seen visiting the tubular flowers in spring.

Uses: Its wood, lightweight and strong, is highly valued for its many uses.