How much sun does Princesstree need?

Princesstree grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Princesstree bloom?

Princesstree blooms in April and May.

Is Princesstree toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Princesstree as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Princesstree attract?

Princesstree draws bees and butterflies.

Is Princesstree HOA-friendly?

Princesstree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Princesstree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paulownia tomentosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Princesstree (Paulownia tomentosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Princesstree as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–480" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Princesstree

Princesstree is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Princesstree is a fast-growing deciduous tree that produces showy purple trumpet-shaped flowers in spring before the leaves emerge. It has large heart-shaped leaves and can quickly reach substantial size, making it suitable for shade in larger landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Princesstree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Invasive species in many areas
Aggressive self-seeding and sprouting
Can appear messy with large leaves and seed pods

Wildlife value

The fragrant purple blooms attract bees and butterflies in April and May. However, this is an invasive species that can outcompete native plants and provide less overall ecosystem value than native alternatives.

Common questions

How much sun does Princesstree need?: Princesstree grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Princesstree bloom?: Princesstree blooms in April and May.
Is Princesstree toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Princesstree as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Princesstree attract?: Princesstree draws bees and butterflies.
Is Princesstree HOA-friendly?: Princesstree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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