Schubert Chokecherry vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Schubert Chokecherry vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Prunus virginiana Schubert

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Empress Tree
Schubert Chokecherry

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.

Schubert Chokecherry is similar to a western chokecherry but features beautiful purple-red leaves throughout the summer.

This small, flowering tree is perfectly suited as an ornamental for city yards.

The fruit from this tree is a staff favourite for jams, jellies, and wines.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Schubert Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: light purple
Flowers: white
Fruit: edible dark red berries, 10mm diameter, pitted, tart, good
Berries: edible dark red berries, 10mm diameter, pitted, tart, good
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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