Western Mountain Ash vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Western Mountain Ash vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Sorbus scopulina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Western Mountain Ash

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.

Western Mountain Ash is a popular ornamental tree native to the western part of North America. Its attractive, white clusters of flowers bloom in early summer, making way for red, yellow or orange fruit in the fall. If the fruit doesn't catch your eye, Western Mountain Ash's autumn colours will capture your–and the birds's–attention.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Western Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $19.99
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: high


Flowers: light purple
Flowers: white
Berries: bunches of orange-red berries appear in late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, YT, NT
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: cascade mountain ash, greene mountain ash