Description
Latin: Catalpa speciosa
Zones: 4-8
Other common names: Cigar tree, Caterpillar tree, Hardy catalpa, Western catalpa, Indian Bean Tree, Catawba
Mature Height/spread: 40–60′ height and a spread of 20–40′ at maturity.
Soil / Climate: Full sun and partial shade are best. The northern catalpa can grow in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, wet and clay soils. A wide range of moisture conditions can be tolerated. Some flooding and extremely hot, dry conditions can also be tolerated.
Notes: Catalpa usually flowers (large trumpet-shaped, showy and fragant usually in May and June) after seven years of growth. The Catalpa can also develop a twisted trunk. Hear or spear shaped leaves are 12″ long and 4-8″ wide. The Catalpa tree has green bean-like seed pods that are 8-20″ long and 1/4 – 1/2″ wide that turn brown as they ripen filled with 1″ long fringed seeds. Requires clean up.
Wildlife: Draws hummingbirds, Catalpa Sphinx Moth and bees.
Aaron Luecking –
They are growing nicely. 4 out of 5 made it although I haven’t given up on the 5th yet. Wasn’t sure they would lead out, but sure enough did. Liked the pricing and shipping response.