Empress Tree vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Bitternut Hickory

Paulownia tomentosa

Carya cordiformis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Empress Tree
Bitternut Hickory

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.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $5.49 - SAVE UP TO 54%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: light purple
Bark: ridged, durable
Nuts: bitter
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




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