Identifying the Empress Tree (Paulownia)

A tree with fragrant purple bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by hard, walnut-like seed capsules that persist through winter, is not a black walnut—it's the empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa), also called princess tree or foxglove tree.

Key Identification Features

• Flowers: Large, tubular, purple, in upright clusters, very fragrant, appear before leaves.
• Leaves: Huge (up to 12 inches), heart-shaped, softly hairy underneath.
• Fruit: Sticky, oval capsules that split open to release thousands of tiny winged seeds.
• Growth: Extremely fast—10-15 feet per year when young.

Considerations

Paulownia is invasive in many areas, spreading aggressively by seed. It has weak wood and can be messy. If you enjoy the flowers and can manage seedlings, it's a striking ornamental. Otherwise, consider removal before it sets seed.