Korean Pine vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Korean Pine vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Pinus koraiensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Korean Pine

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.

Korean Pine is an attractive conifer suitable for shelterbelts, privacy screens, and ornamental planting. This tree is especially prized for its pine nuts. Korean Pine nuts are larger than most other species. They can be used in salads, pesto sauce, and other foods.

This conifer is generally tolerant of urban conditions but much prefers cool summer climates.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Korean Pine Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $8.99 - SAVE UP TO 47%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long blue-green needles
Flowers: light purple
Nuts: large edible seeds
Cones: attractive edible pine nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: chinese pinenut