Bur Oak vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs Empress Tree

Quercus macrocarpa

Paulownia tomentosa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Bur Oak
Empress Tree

Bur Oak has a wide distribution but is one of the only oaks that will grow well on the prairies. Bur Oak produces deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn golden yellow to brown in the fall.

Its acorns are round and half enclosed by a mossy fringed cup.

Although slower growing, this long lived tree eventually becomes a popular large ornamental tree for driveways, parks, and the front of industrial buildings. Popular as a memorial or dedication tree.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

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.

Bur Oak Quick Facts

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $5.49 - SAVE UP TO 54%
Zone: 2b
Zone: 5a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Flowers: light purple
Nuts: small acorns
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium




Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia