Family:  Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 12.

Deciduous tree native to central and western China.   This is one of the most impressively large-leaved (elephant ear size) plants that you can grow. The plant commonly increases 15 feet in height in a single year.  I let some of them go to full size (to collect the flowers and the seed) and I keep one near the greenhouse cut back so it bushes out hugely each year and provides shade for the potted plants and the transplanters in the summer months. The tree figures strongly in lore and legend, and the poles are useful around the farm for trellising.  Traditional usage:  manufacture of medicinal grade charcoal.   Plant prefers full sun to part shade and a moist soil surface (roots run close to the surface). Please note that these trees tend to be herbaceous (die back to the ground) in the first 2 or 3 years, resprouting in the spring.  After that, they become woody perennials.  Space trees at least 20 feet apart.

Potted tree in a 9 inch deep pot, certified organically grown

Note:   Empress Tree is not available to TN or AL or NC or CT.  Otherwise available in the rest of the US.