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Dwarf Birch vs Empress Tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Betula pumila
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
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.
Dwarf Birch, also known as Bog Birch for its common occurrence in wet areas, is a small deciduous shrub native to North America.
Found growing up into the arctic circle, this is one of the few trees that grows that far north.
Common in riparian zones and boreal forests across Western Canada. It is a common reclamation species.
This species is often used by local artisans to twist into shapes like willow and make decorative hearts, circles, etc.