Invasive Plant Factsheet
Also known as Empress Tree, this native of China was imported to Europe in the 1830s and then introduced shortly after into the U. S. where it has been cultivated as an ornamental in parks and gardens. Touted as the fastest growing tree in the world, its aggressive spread into natural areas has caused it to be listed as invasive throughout much of the east coast, including Arlington and Alexandria.
Native Alternatives
- Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
- Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)
- Benthamidia florida – formerly Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Halesia tetraptera (Carolina Silverbell)
- Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)
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Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
