Empress tree (foxglove tree) Paulownia tomentosa
Empress tree (foxglove tree) (Paulownia tomentosa) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Paulowniaceae family, native to Central and western China. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -22 °C (-8 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Empress tree (foxglove tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Paulowniaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -22 °C (-8 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and western China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Invasive in | Eastern United States: check local rules before planting |
Is Empress tree (foxglove tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Empress tree (foxglove tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Empress tree (foxglove tree)
- How far apart should I plant Empress tree (foxglove tree)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Empress tree (foxglove tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Empress tree (foxglove tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Empress tree (foxglove tree)?
- It tolerates about -22 °C (-8 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Empress tree (foxglove tree) flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Empress tree (foxglove tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Empress tree (foxglove tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Empress tree (foxglove tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Fragrant violet foxglove-like flowers open before the giant leaves; one of the fastest-growing trees, and the national flower emblem of Japan’s government (kiri).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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