Black Hills Spruce vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Black Hills Spruce vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Picea glauca var. densata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Empress Tree
Black Hills Spruce

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.

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Black Hills Spruce Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.99 - SAVE UP TO 75%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: light purple
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia