The Blue Dragon Princesstree and Empress tree are terms to commonly describe the rapidly growing Paulownia tomentosa tree. For rapid shade and summer flowers, few trees achieve as much growth as quickly as this tree when growing in USDA zone 5. This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year. It can reach a height of 60 feet.
Native to Asia, the lumber of the Paulownia tree is made into furniture there. While spring flowers are showy, this tree is invasive and may overtake woodlands and native forests in zone 5 and other parts of the U.S.
Fast-growing trees are typically not strong and enduring trees. As with the quick-growing Bradford pear tree, rapid growth is obtained at the price of a sturdy long-lasting landscape specimen. Long-term shade and ornamental value are best found in specimens that experience slow to moderate growth.