White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Betula papyrifera

Empress Tree
White Birch (Paper Birch)

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.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $5.49 - SAVE UP TO 54%
Lowest Price: $1.99 - SAVE UP TO 67%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: light purple
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch