Are Paulownia trees invasive?

Known as the Princess Tree, Empress Tree, and Royal Empress Tree, Paulownia Trees are highly invasive and are destroying native ecosystems from Maine to Florida and Texas, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

How fast does paulownia tree grow?

Paulownia is one of the fastest growing trees in the world and a well established plant can grow over 2.5m in one season, but its vigorous growth can also be harnessed for ornamental purposes.

Why you should never plant an empress tree?

It can spread through root sprouts and seeds (it produces up to 20 million seeds every year). Even if you’re diligent about pruning, all of those seeds can easily make their way into neighboring yards or wooded areas. Once you have an empress tree in your yard, it’s extremely difficult to completely eliminate it.

How big does a paulownia tree get?

Description. This tree grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall, with large heart-shaped to five-lobed leaves 15–40 cm (6–16 in) across, arranged in opposite pairs on the stem.

How much is a Paulownia tree worth?

Today, first-rate logs may sell to a lumber merchant for as much as $10 to $15 a board foot, dealers say, making paulownia the most valuable wood in the Eastern forests. A 12-foot log, 20 inches across at the small end, would hold almost 200 board feet and bring $3,000.

Are Paulownia roots invasive?

The Paulownia tree is not considered invasive in California.

Where do Paulownia trees grow best?

We suggest paulownia should be planted in geographical areas between Zone 6 and 11. Please note: Not all areas of zones 6 and 7 are suitable due to elevation and/or severe winter temperatures.

Do deer eat Paulownia trees?

Deer will only browse on Paulownia if they have nothing else to eat. Some successful ways of detracting deer have been reported. Scatter human hair around the fields, use the common product called “Deer Away”, drill a hole in smelly soap bars and hang them on fence lines, spray your trees with hot sauce.

Do Paulownia trees need a lot of water?

How much water does Paulownia require? Paulownia will not tolerate over watering. They like to dry out, then have a drink. If you continuously water every day and keep the root system too wet you will drown the tree.