Staghorn Sumac vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Staghorn Sumac vs Empress Tree

Rhus typhina

Paulownia tomentosa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Staghorn Sumac
Empress Tree

Staghorn Sumac is a popular ornamental shrub with red velvet like antlers that produce seeds that provide nice winter interest for landscapers and gardeners.

This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden it is also used in shelterbelts.

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.

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 5a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Flowers: small, green-yellow
Flowers: light purple
Fruit: small, red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: stags horn sumach, velvet sumac
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia