Quercus

Princess-tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Not native to South Carolina

Do not plant. Listed invasive in South Carolina.

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Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

2CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including SC

Genus host records with ranges including SC · Paulownia

  • Hyphantria cuneaFall Webworm
  • Orgyia leucostigmaWhite-Marked Tussock Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Paulowniaceae
Hardiness
Zones 5a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Pink or purple
Growth rate
Rapid
Growth habit
Single crown
Foliage color
Green
Fruit begins
Summer
Fruit ends
Fall

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Empress Tree; Paulownia; Princess Tree; Princess tree

Conservation status

South Carolina rankNot available
Global rankGNR
SC statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources