Aronia Berry vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Aronia Berry vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Aronia melanocarpa

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Empress Tree
Aronia Berry

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.

Aronia Berry produces black fruit that is often considered too astringent. This is why they are also referred to as Black Chokeberry. It is native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. White to pink flowers appear in the spring which provides a nice contrast to the dark green foliage. In fall the leaves turn a vibrant orange to red.

It has a fast growth rate, strong roots, and can tolerate growing in wet soils. This makes it well suited for various projects including forming hedges, bank stabilization, erosion control, and in wetter riparian areas. They are also well suited as an understory plant as it grows well under other trees.

Aronia berries have their own unique flavour. The polyphenols and anthocyanins are touted as healthy antioxidants and lots of research seems to be underway on the health benefits of this fruit.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Aronia Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: red to orange color
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: whitish-pink
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium




Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: black choke berry, black chokeberry