Shagbark Hickory vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Shagbark Hickory vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Carya ovata

Empress Tree
Shagbark Hickory

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.

Shagbark Hickory is a unique tree both for its looks and uses. Its bark peels into long thin vertical strips giving it a shaggy appearance. This and its golden fall leaves make it a gorgeous looking tree. This species produces tasty hickory nuts once mature. Hickory smoke is also treasured for curing meats and its generally fantastic smell.

This tree is best planted away from any buildings due to a deep taproot and large size. Many people remark on the unusual taproot for this tree that can be over 6 feet deep while the plant only has 2 feet of top growth.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Shagbark Hickory Quick Facts

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Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: light purple
Bark: shaggy looking bark peels vertically in long strips
Nuts: similar to pecans
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: carolina hickory, scalybark hickory, shellbark hickory, upland hickory