Empress Tree vs Russian Mountain Ash - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Russian Mountain Ash

Paulownia tomentosa

Sorbus aucuparia Rossica

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
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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.

The Russian Mountain Ash is a stunning ornamental tree with the perfect pop of colour. It bears white flowers in the spring and gorgeous orange berries in the fall. Birds enjoy the berries that persist into the winter. It grows tall and can thrive in an urban setting making this an attractive ornamental tree for your landscaping project.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Russian Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (18 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: high
Maintenance: high


Bark: shiny grey
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: showy white
Berries: orange-red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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