Catalpa speciosaIndiana Native
Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa - Overall Tree in Summer

Family:

Bignoniaceae (Trumpet-creeper Family) 4

Genus:

Catalpa (Catalpa Indian Bean Indian Cigar) 3

Plant Type:

Tree 562

Growth Forms:

Upright 546

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 494

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 803

Flower Notes:

White (White 4-8" long terminal flower panicles are slightly fragrant and appear in spring)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Medium green summer foliage); Yellow (Often turns a poor greenish-yellow to brown before falling in the fall)

Stem Notes:

stout, smooth, reddish to yellowish brown

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Slender 8-20" long seedpods persist into winter (not overly attractive))

Ultimate Height:

40-60 feet

Ultimate Spread:

20-40 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 40

Soil Notes:

Tolerates wet, dry, and alkaline soils

Range:

Eastern United States

Maintenance:

Medium 54

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Simple, very large (12" long by 8" wide) heart-shaped leaves that are opposite or whorled. Flowers resemble those of foxglove.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Drought Tolerant 279

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 186

Wet Soil Tolerant 106

Additional Information

Coarse winter trunks and branches are bold and striking; picturesque. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms. Too coarse of texture for most urban landscapes. Short-lived to about 50 years.