Common Snowberry vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Empress Tree

Symphoricarpos albus

Paulownia tomentosa

Common Snowberry
Empress Tree

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

The Empress Tree is a fast growing, ornamental shade tree. It has purple, fragrant flowers that are quite attractive. The flowers emerge before the leaves in early spring. The leaves of this tree can grow very large, up to 30 cm long.

As one of the fastest growing trees in the world, this tree has been given considerable attention for carbon sequestration projects. It drops many seeds which can make it invasive in warmer climates. Please do some research and plant the right tree in the right place.

The Empress tree’s genus name comes from Princess Paulowna, daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Empress Tree Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 5a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Flowers: light purple
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia