Laura Walters
The empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) looks like a dream with its massive purple flower clusters and growth that outpaces others. It shoots up fast, promising shade by next summer. But the problems add up quick.
The empress tree’s floral cloud in spring pulls folks in, but its invasive empress tree habits and spreading seeds choke out everything else around it. And getting rid of empress trees becomes a gardener’s worse nightmare, with their stubborn roots that keep sprouting back.
There are plenty of empress tree alternatives that deliver just as much beauty without the chaos. So don't be tempted by this invasive tree covered in purple blooms. Its charm fades once you see the damage it can do. I'll dig into the reasons why you should never plant an empress tree as well as some of the best alternatives for stunning blooms without the headache.
Why People Plant Empress Trees
The empress tree, also known as the princess tree, hooks gardeners with its springtime show. It has huge purple flower clusters that dangle like chandeliers and they fill the air with a faint honey scent.
It grows incredibly fast, too. These trees usually grow around to 15 feet (4.5 meters) a year, hitting 40 feet (12 meters) in no time at all. Some nurseries push it as eco-friendly, with lightweight wood you can use for building furniture or as biofuel.
It’s marketed as a low-maintenance win for any garden. Some even call it a “miracle tree” for creating a shady yard. But that promise of quick shade and blooms tempts folks to plant it without a second thought. Who doesn’t want a tree that’s big enough to produce shade by next summer? But those supposedly great features actually make this fast-growing tree a nightmare.
Why You Should Never Plant One
Do you have a yard that's craving shade? Don’t fall for the empress tree’s flashy act. The empress tree is native to China and considered a problem plant in many parts of the United States. This invasive plant species spreads like wildfire. Each empress tree propagates via millions of tiny seeds that can blow hundreds of yards and sprout in every sidewalk crack or nearby forest.
The greedy tree roots cause problems, too. They suck up water and nutrients and its branches hog sun, leaving native plants high and dry. The strong and invasive tree roots can also crack your driveway and sidewalks, leading to costly repairs. The tree’s brittle branches also commonly snap when the wind blows, dumping twigs everywhere.
The obvious answer would be to chop this tree down, but the empress tree will just keep coming back. Invasions tend to overrun native habitats, crowding out wildflowers and critters. Nearby meadows lose their native grasses, and songbirds struggle for nesting spots. So instead of trying to get rid of this tree, the best course of action is not to plant it in the first place.
What to Grow Instead
The empress tree’s purple blooms and speedy growth seem tempting, but it’s a garden disaster waiting to happen. All the problems it causes – invading roots, snapping branches, and relentless sprouts – aren’t worth the fight just for the flowers it puts out in spring.
Instead, choose a native tree species that brings blooms and charm without turning your yard into a war zone. Plant something that grows in harmony with your native ecosystem, not against it. Here are some of the best native alternatives to plant instead of an empress tree.
1. Eastern Redbud
The pink flowers of the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) burst out in April like candy scattered on their branches. The stunning blooms are followed by heart-shaped leaves that turn gold in fall.
This native tree will slowly grow up to 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall, but it's extremely resilient. Its small, pea-sized blooms last for three weeks in spring and its gray bark stays smooth. Leaves feel soft, dropping like a pile of coins in autumn. This compact tree is perfect for small yards with loamy soil.
Buy eastern redbud trees from the Home Depot.
2. Fringe Tree
The lacy blooms of the fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) appear in May and carry a sweet floral scent. This small-statured tree stands at a tidy 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). Its thin petals remain for two weeks.
The bark flakes in patches, revealing a tan color underneath, and leaves stay glossy. The fringe tree can tolerate both moist and dry soils. And it fits neatly into a narrow garden or small front yard.
Buy a high-quality native fringe trees from American Beauties on Amazon.
3. Serviceberry
Serviceberry trees (Amelanchier spp.) produce white flowers in March, sweet berries by June that are tasty snacks for both you and critters, and orange leaves in fall.
This petite native beauty tops out at 20 feet (6 m). Its edible fruit ripens in early summer and makes a delicious jam or can be left for local birds and wildlife.
Get a serviceberry tree today from the Home Depot.
4. Flowering Dogwood
White or pink blooms on the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) light up the spring. This native native tree then tosses out red berries for birds in autumn. This compact variety stays under 25 feet (7.5 m).
Its inch (2.5 cm) wide flowers last around month. Leaves turn scarlet by October and bark becomes scaly, adding winter interest and texture. This tree loves acidic, moist soils and is a great low-grower for tight spaces.
Explore a beautiful variety of flowering dogwoods from Fast Growing Trees.
5. Sweetbay Magnolia
Native magnolias, like the sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), have creamy blossoms and glossy green leaves that make a statement even after blooms fade. Trees can reach 30-50 feet (9-15 m).
The elegant white flowers open in mid-June and smell like lemon and citrus. The bark of the sweetbay magnolia roughens with age, but stays brown. The thick and shiny leaves drop in fall after bright red, highly ornamental seed pods emerge. Magnolia grow best in rich, damp soil.
