Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia): Buying and Planting Advice

What You're Actually Buying

Royal Empress, Kiri, Princess, Paulownia, Foxglove Empress—all are Paulownia tomentosa. Leaf size and flower color vary by seed source, age, and growing conditions, not cultivar.

Why Avoid Paulownia in North Carolina

• Invasive: Prolific seeder, spreads aggressively
• Messy: Flowers, seeds, brittle branches
• Short-lived: 20-40 years, then structural decline
• Weak wood: Storm damage common

Better Alternatives for NC Shade

Contact NC Forest Service (county office) for site-specific recommendations. Good shade trees for NC:

• Willow oak, Shumard oak
• Red maple cultivars
• Tulip poplar (native, fast)
• Bald cypress (wet areas)

If You Proceed

Buy from reputable local nursery, not online. Verify male cultivar if available (though Paulownia is monoecious).