princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Princess tree is an East Asian tree with large heart-shaped leaves and pale purple flowers that open before the leaves. It spreads into sunny disturbed places in parts of the eastern United States, where it can compete with native plants and is considered . It is also called empress tree or royal paulownia.

Appearance

Appearance: The opposite, heart-shaped leaves are often 6–12 in (15–30 cm) long on mature trees and can be much larger on young shoots. Upright clusters carry fragrant, pale violet flowers 2–2.5 in (5–6 cm) long. Large fuzzy flower buds make it recognizable even after the leaves fall.
Growth form: This tree can reach 69–105 ft (21–32 m), though it is often smaller. Open-grown trees may have several trunks, and their stout branches are brittle.
Flowering time: In parts of the eastern United States, flowers open in late April or early May before the leaves.
Fruit: The fruit is an oval, two-part about 1–2 in (2.5–4 cm) long. Old capsules can remain visible through winter.

Look-alikes

Southern CatalpaCatalpa bignonioides

Princess tree has oval woody capsules, while Southern Catalpa makes long, narrow hanging pods. Princess tree flowers are pale violet; catalpa flowers are whitish with colored markings.

Why they get mixed upBoth trees have very large heart-shaped leaves and may grow along roadsides and disturbed ground.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: roadsides
vacant lots
forest edges
rocky slopes
Range: It is native to East Asia but has escaped cultivation in much of the eastern United States, especially from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and west to Missouri.
Preferred conditions: Seedlings establish best in bright, disturbed places with exposed mineral soil and little leaf litter. Dense shade limits new seedlings.

Life cycle

Seed dispersal: Each capsule holds many tiny winged seeds that travel on wind and water. The tree also resprouts from stems and roots.

Name and classification

About the name: It was once also called Paulownia imperialis.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Threats: In the eastern United States, it can invade bright disturbed ground and compete with native plants, including on rocky outcrops and burned slopes.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: It was planted in the United States as an ornamental.

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