Random questions:

 

Is it invasive?

No, the Empress tree is not invasive.

There are 23 species of Paulownia (the biological name of the Empress tree). The one that is most commonly known is the Paulownia tomentosa and this happens to be the only invasive variety. We use only non-invasive species and the trees we grow are only from mother stock. This means they are unable to reproduce without a human hand to help.

Where is it native to?

The tree is native to China – however, we have good reason to believe it has North American roots. In fact, the oldest known fossils of the tree were found in the United States. Dating to 40,000 years ago, fossils have been found from Washington State and Alabama. However, the tree does not like the cold and it was wiped out in the ice ages.

The Chinese re-introduced the Empress tree to North America 200 years ago. All the research to date shows that the tree plays nicely with other species.

Source: Carbon Offsets World Tree.com

3/4 year update: GROWING!

Elongatas: Planted May, 2011
Cut to ground March 2013
Pic taken Jan 2015

We continue to get requests for info from all over the world on these trees. This month marks our 4th year in this project and we were only looking for a few fast growing shade trees. Had no idea of the world wide demand for this wood and now we have 415 trees planted and will add another 100 or so this summer.

Elongatas, Fortunas, Kawakamis: Planted June 2012
Cut to ground March 2013
Pic taken Jan 2015

In ground 2 1/2 years

Our trees go dormant in October and lose their elephant leaves at first freeze.
They start waking up mid February when blooms start popping out and leaves follow.

Elongata: Planted May 2011
Cut Down March 2013
Pic taken March 2014

These trees luv super hot sun and grow from leaves. We measure and document height and width growth. One tree grew one foot per week in July and August and grew 3 3/4" in width from 6/5/14 to 8/12/14.

Fortunas:  planted May 2013 and cut to ground in March 2014
This pic taken July 2014-   4 months after cutting.

Thanks for checking our site and send email, text or call regarding our trees.

Mike Lammons


Michael R. Lammons
Pacific Coast Manager
Merchant Guard

559 824 3254 Cell & Text
Mikelammons@gmail.com
Barb's blog:
Merchantguard.blogspot.com


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