The Empress Tree (botanically known as *Paulownia*) is a real showstopper in the garden, mostly thanks to its massive, lush foliage and stunning blooms. It’s famous for being low-maintenance, which makes it a favorite for many home gardeners. But as those little seed pods start to form, you might find yourself wondering: are they edible? Here’s the scoop on what you can (and shouldn’t) eat from this tree.
Which parts of the Empress Tree are edible?
If you’re looking for a snack, head straight for the leaves! Believe it or not, the leaves of the Empress Tree are totally edible. You can cook them up much like you would fresh spinach. They work great as a leafy green for us humans, but they’re also excellent as supplemental fodder for livestock. If you’ve got a *Paulownia* in your backyard, this is a great tip to keep in your back pocket.
However, the fruit is a different story. Unlike the leaves, the pods of the Empress Tree are inedible. While they are only mildly toxic, they definitely aren’t something you want on your dinner plate. Luckily, because the capsules are small and not particularly appetizing, most people aren’t tempted to taste them anyway—which is definitely for the best!
The quick takeaways:
- The seed capsules are inedible (and mildly toxic).
- The leaves, on the other hand, are quite tasty and safe to eat.
- You can also use the leaves as nutritious feed for your animals.
How the fruit grows on an Empress Tree
The fruit of the *Paulownia* develops right after the blooming phase. Slowly, the tree produces small, woody capsules about the size of a walnut. Inside these pods, you’ll find thousands of tiny seeds. Interestingly, these husks tend to stick around; even after they open up to release the seeds, the empty shells often cling to the branches well into the winter months.
Because these capsules stay on the tree for so long, they eventually just become part of the scenery. Unlike many other ornamental trees that produce bright, flashy berries, the Empress Tree’s fruit stays a pretty neutral color that blends right in with the green foliage. That’s exactly why many gardeners don’t even realize the tree has “fruit” at all!
