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Princess tree (empress tree) identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Princess tree, Paulownia tomentosa, is an introduced tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Very large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long in pairs; young trees can have toothed or lobed leaves. Bark: Thin grayish brown with shallow cracks. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify princess tree
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Very large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long in pairs; young trees can have toothed or lobed leaves. |
| Bark | Thin grayish brown with shallow cracks. |
| Fruit | Oval capsules 1 to 1 1/2 inches long packed with thousands of tiny seeds; sticky green, then brown and dry, hanging on all winter. |
| Twigs | Stout light brown twigs with many pale dots and round leaf scars. |
| Size and shape | Rounded crown with heavy branches; up to about 50 feet. Big upright clusters of fragrant purple tube-shaped flowers. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is princess tree native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists princess tree as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania DCNR lists princess tree as an invasive plant, rank 2 (significant threat). DCNR defines invasive plants as species that are not native, grow aggressively and push out native plants.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like princess tree
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Northern catalpa Catalpa speciosa | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Big heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three, soft and fuzzy underneath, smooth-edged. |
| Southern catalpa Catalpa bignonioides | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify princess tree?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Very large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long in pairs; young trees can have toothed or lobed leaves. Bark: Thin grayish brown with shallow cracks.
Is princess tree native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists princess tree as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania DCNR lists princess tree as an invasive plant, rank 2 (significant threat).
How big does princess tree get?
Rounded crown with heavy branches; up to about 50 feet.
How can you tell princess tree in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout light brown twigs with many pale dots and round leaf scars. Bark: Thin grayish brown with shallow cracks.
What tree looks like princess tree?
Northern catalpa, Southern catalpa. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Paulownia tomentosa fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status); Pennsylvania DCNR Invasive Plant List. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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