Russian Almond vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Prunus tenella

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Empress Tree
Russian Almond

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.

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 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
Flowers: bright pink
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium




Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: dwarf russian almond