Empress Tree vs Tulip Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Tulip Poplar

Paulownia tomentosa

Liriodendron tulipifera

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Tulip Poplar

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.

Tulip Poplar is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Poplar is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Tulip Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
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: normal, wet
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Flowers: light purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia