Empress Tree vs Dappled Willow - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Dappled Willow

Paulownia tomentosa

Salix integra Hakuro-Nishiki

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Dappled Willow

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.

Dappled Willow is a small, cold hardy shrub with unusual beauty. Its leaves are pink in spring, maturing into variegated shades of pink, white and green. After losing their leaves in autumn, the stems maintain a rich red color throughout the winter. For a splash of color, try Dappled Willow on its own or as a hedge.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Dappled Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low
Maintenance: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: green with dappled white or pink
Flowers: light purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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