Growth

• Empress trees mature to a height of 30 to 50 feet and have a spread of 20 to 30 feet. This rounded tree features simple, opposite leaves that measure five to ten inches in length. Empress trees feature a single trunk and branches that are known to droop. The thick brown twigs of the empress tree are susceptible to breakage and can contain thorns.
  
  

Flowers & Fruit

• In the spring, the brown flower buds that emerged in the fall bloom to reveal showy lavender flowers. In the fall, this tree produces a fruit capsule that is oval in shape and measures one to three inches in length. This hard brown capsule is not consumed by wildlife and contains an average of two thousand seeds that germinate readily.
  
  

Climate

• Empress trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, making it a tree that grows well in most parts of the United States. After the first frost of the winter, the green leaves will fall to the ground.
  
  

Planting

• Empress trees prefer being planted in moist, well-drained soil where they are not susceptible to wind damage. This adaptable tree is moderately tolerant of both salt and drought conditions and thrives in areas where it receives full sunlight or partial shade. Acidic sandy, loamy, or clay soils are ideal, but this tree can handle slightly alkaline soils as well.
  
  

Care

• The empress tree produces many seeds, and it can be difficult to grow other plants beneath this tree, which should be considered when using it as an ornamental tree in commercial or residential landscapes. Flowers and fruit which have fallen will need to be removed from the ground below the tree. To maintain a strong and healthy tree, the empress tree should be pruned annually. Because this tree features large surface roots, it should not be planted in close proximity to driveways or sidewalks.
  
  

Uses

• Empress trees are exported to Japan where the wood is used to create furniture and jewelry boxes. The wood of this tree is light in weight, making its demand and price among the highest of trees currently exported from the United States, according to the University of Florida Extension website.