Pros & Cons for Paulownia Trees
The Paulownia tree is native to China. Its botanical name is Paulownia tomentosa but it is commonly referred to as the princess or empress tree. They grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness zones 5 to 9. One of these trees, a 70-foot specimen growing in Farmersville, California, is listed on the California Registry of Big Trees. These are deciduous trees, meaning they drop their leaves in the fall and grow new leaves in the spring.
 Easy to Grow
 Paulownia trees grow fast, putting on more than 2 feet of height each year. They quickly mature into a 30- to 40-foot-tall shade tree with a canopy width of 30 to 40 feet. Soil type is not important for this tree as long as it is not heavy clay that drains slowly. The soil pH can be acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline. This tree is drought-tolerant after it gets established and is not bothered by air pollution.
 Desirable Attributes
In zones 6 though 9 the princess tree blooms prolifically in early spring, producing 14-inch long panicles of lavender to pinkish-lavender trumpet-shaped flowers. The edible flowers emit a vanilla-type fragrance. Their large, heart-shaped, deep green leaves commonly grow to between 8 and 12 inches long. Paulownia tree wood is very valuable. It is commonly grown, harvested and shipped to Japan, where it is used to make furniture and jewelry boxes. It is also used to make wooden crates.
 Undesirable Attributes:
 Paulownia tree wood is somewhat brittle. The branches are susceptible to wind damage and can easily crack or break off completely at the crotch. They often droop, as well, requiring removal to allow for foot or vehicle traffic. Spent seed capsules and small twigs litter the ground beneath the trees. The tree bark is thin. It can be scratched or scraped off easily by a lawn mower or weed wacker. Tree roots grow close to the soil surface, causing damage to concrete and making lawn mowing difficult. The leaves of Paulownia trees do not change color in the fall before dropping. Flower buds are formed on this tree in the fall. They can be damaged by freezing weather even in zones 6 and above, causing them to drop to the ground without blooming.
 Invasiveness
The Pulownia tomentosa tree is known to become invasive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service lists the Paulownia tomentosa tree as a noxious weed. It is banned in Connecticut due to its potentially invasive nature. It is also listed as an exotic invasive pest plant in Tennessee. The tree spreads aggressively through abundant self-seeding.

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