Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Key Identification Features
Description
Princess Trees are medium deciduous trees. They can reach up to 100 feet in the right conditions. The leaves are quite large, reaching between 6 and 12 inches wide and between 4 and 8 inches long. The leaves are heart shaped, compound, and oppositely arranged along the stem. The flowers are a clear indicator of the species; appearing in late spring in clusters at the end of short fuzzy twigs, the flowers are light purple to white, trumpet shaped, and about 2 inches long.
Native Range
Princess Trees are from eastern and central China. They became abundant in the United States starting around 1840 due to their ornamental and landscape desirability.
Habitat and Dispersion
Princess Trees are somewhat particular about growing conditions. They grow best in moist, free draining, and uncompacted soil. They need a lot of light in order to grow, so they cannot become established in the middle of the forest. Disturbed areas are most likely to allow for this invasive to spread. Seeds are produced abundantly, as each flower releases thousands. Princess Trees also reproduce vegetatively by sending up shoots from their roots.
Best Management Practices
The best way to manage Princess Tree is a combination of techniques. Manual removal of new growth is effective, and the addition of chemical treatment of root shoots is also effective. When both methods are utilized and the site is monitored for a several years after, the invasive population may be suppressed.