Empress Tree vs Red Sunset Maple - TreeTime.ca

Empress Tree vs Red Sunset Maple

Paulownia tomentosa

Acer rubrum Sunset

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Red Sunset Maple

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.

Red Sunset Maple is named for its stunning orange and red leaves in the fall. It is a fast growing cultivar of the Red Maple that is native to Eastern North America. The winter stems and spring flowers are also tinged with red color, making this tree attractive year round.

The Red Sunset Maple is salt sensitive and prefers moist soil with slightly acidic conditions.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Red Sunset Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Fall colour: red/orange
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: small red clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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