Golden Willow vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Empress Tree

Salix alba vitellina

Paulownia tomentosa

Golden Willow
Empress Tree

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

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.

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Lowest Price: $5.49 - SAVE UP TO 54%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: light purple
Bark: bright yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow
Other Names: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia