Empress Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

Scrophulariaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated March 9, 2026

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Field Observations

Field Observation

Paulownia tomentosa · Empress Tree

bud swell

April 25, 2026 · Soos Creek Botanical Garden · 1,580 GDD₃₂ · BBCH 01

Height

30–60 ft

Spread

32 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Well Drained

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 5a–8b

Bloom Time

April

Origin

China

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Apr 1-Apr 30	First open flowers visible; flowers purple
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set
bud swell BBCH 01	—	Flower buds swelling on bare branches