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Manchurian Apricot vs Empress Tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Prunus armeniaca var. mandshurica
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.
Manchurian Apricot is a winter-hardy relative of the native plum. This tree can stand some drought, but will not handle standing water or saturated moist soils. It can be used in shelterbelts, hedges, or as an ornamental. Manchurian Apricot will also attract songbirds, rabbits, and other rodents if left uncontrolled.
This tree will produce fruit once it reaches maturity at between two and five years old. Other famous cultivars of Manchurian Apricot include Scout Apricot, Moongold, and many more.