Common Hackberry vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Common Hackberry vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Celtis occidentalis

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Empress Tree
Common Hackberry

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 Common Hackberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree that resembles the American Elm but is immune to Dutch Elm Disease. They are versatile and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.

It produces purple-red, berry-like fruit with a large seed in the center. Both the sweet flesh, which tastes similar to dates, and the crunchy seed are edible. The fruit remains on the tree throughout the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

The Common Hackberry can also be a great addition to a pollinator garden. The tree itself is a host for the larvae of several butterfly species and the flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Common Hackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 7 m (24 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black, edible
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late fall to winter
Flowers: light purple
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: american hackberry, beaverwood, false elm, nettle tree, northern hackberry