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Princess-tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Found in roadsides, disturbed areas, roadcuts, forests. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

-85
Severe harm

Not native to Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
30–50 feet
Spread
20–30 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Usually moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Virginia.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Staghorn Sumac
    Rhus typhina

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: Red.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Washington Hawthorn
    Crataegus phaenopyrum

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to average. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Downy Serviceberry
    Amelanchier arborea

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
April to June
Fruiting season
September to October

Recorded in 85 Virginia counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

Forests and woodlands

Forest or woodland where the source does not say how moist or dry.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

2CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including VA

Genus host records with ranges including VA · 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
September
Fruit ends
October

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

Conservation status

Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
VA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources