Nannyberry vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Viburnum lentago

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Nannyberry

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.

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: white
Berries: red to purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum