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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Catalpa spp.
catalpa
BignoniaceaeEastern and central United States
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-70 feet (9-21 m)
Width20-40 feet (6-12 m)
Maturity18 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 9Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
Catalpa is a genus of large deciduous trees grown for bold texture, dramatic summer flowering, and unusual winter seedpods. Two species are common in landscape use: Catalpa speciosa (northern catalpa), native to the central US, reaching 50–70 feet (15–21 m) tall and 20–40 feet (6–12 m) wide, hardy to zone 4; and Catalpa bignonioides (southern catalpa), reaching 30–40 feet (9–12 m) tall and wide, hardy to zone 5. Both share the defining catalpa characteristics: extremely large heart-shaped leaves 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long arranged oppositely or in whorls of three — among the largest leaves of any common hardy deciduous tree — giving a tropical-looking coarseness unique in temperate landscapes. In June, upright conical panicles 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall bear showy white orchid-like flowers, each 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with purple spots and yellow streaks in the throat. Flowers are followed by distinctive slender bean-like seedpods 8–20 inches (20–50 cm) long that turn dark brown and persist through winter, rattling in the wind. The pods, and the common name 'Indian bean tree' used in Britain, come from this characteristic. Fall foliage is pale yellow to tan — not ornamentally significant. Catalpa worms (larvae of the sphinx moth Ceratomia catalpae) can defoliate trees in summer; while alarming in appearance, trees typically refoliate, and the larvae are highly prized as catfish bait.
Native Range
Catalpa speciosa (northern catalpa) is native to the central United States — the lower Midwest, from the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. Catalpa bignonioides (southern catalpa) is native to the southeastern United States. Both have been widely planted well outside their native ranges throughout North America and Europe.Suggested Uses
Grown as large shade trees and bold specimen trees on properties with sufficient space. The combination of enormous leaves, showy June flowers, and winter seedpod silhouette provides three-season interest. Catalpas suit informal, naturalistic, and native plant gardens; they are less appropriate for refined, tidy landscapes due to leaf, pod, and potential caterpillar litter. The coppicing/pollarding technique creates dramatic oversized foliage for tropical-style garden effects. C. speciosa is a North American native with some value for native wildlife. Not suited to small gardens or tight urban spaces.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 70'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
purple
yellow
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
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Summer
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with purple spots and yellow streaksFoliage Description
medium green in summer; pale yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandsilt
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15-20 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Catalpas are tough, adaptable trees tolerating a wide range of soils including clay, poor drainage, and urban conditions. Full sun produces the best flowering and most vigorous growth. Moderate drought tolerance once established. Fast-growing when young — 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) per year in good conditions. The large leaves are prone to tatter and wind damage in exposed sites; sheltered locations produce a tidier appearance. Catalpa worms (Ceratomia catalpae larvae) can periodically strip foliage in summer — trees are not typically killed and refoliate, but the defoliation can be dramatic. The large leaf litter and persistent seedpods require cleanup in tidy gardens. Allow substantial horizontal and vertical space: C. speciosa ultimately reaches 50–70 feet (15–21 m).Pruning
Catalpas tolerate hard pruning and coppicing. Prune in late winter or early spring (February through March) before leaf out. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The trees can be coppiced or pollarded annually for dramatic oversized foliage effects — cutting hard back produces enormous juvenile leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) on vigorous water shoots, a technique used in formal garden design. Structural pruning is best completed while the tree is young; large wounds on mature trees are slow to close. Minimal pruning is needed for trees grown as standard shade specimens.Pruning Schedule
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early spring