Laurel Leaf Willow vs Empress Tree - TreeTime.ca

Laurel Leaf Willow vs Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Salix pentandra

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Empress Tree
Laurel Leaf Willow

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.

Laurel Leaf Willow is a round-shaped tree with attractive dark green leaves.

This cold hardy tree can withstand bitter winters and still put on lots of growth every summer. Laurel Leaf Willow prefers moist to wet ground and full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade too. This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

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.

Empress Tree Quick Facts

Laurel Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: light purple
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: 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: chinese empress tree, foxglove tree, princess tree, royal paulownia
Other Names: bay willow, bay-leaf willow, laurel willow