Southern Catalpa Tree

Flowering grandeur, the Southern Catalpa Tree (Catalpa bignoniodes) is a large-scale shade tree with orchid-like flowers and large foliage. The broad irregular crown has its own charm and plenty of eye-catching appeal! Also known as the Cigar Tree, Catawba Tree, and Bean Tree because of the seed pods that follow the showy display of blooms, the Catalpa has three seasons of landscape interest!

The white orchid-like clusters of flowers attract a host of beneficial insects, pollinators, and hummingbirds when in bloom throughout the late summer weeks! But the foliage is a host plant for Catalpa Sphinx Moths, and their caterpillars (aka catawba worms) are prized by songbirds as food and by fishermen as bait!

Later, long dangling, bean-like seed pods add interest to the already showy light green foliage! This North American native tree like its cousin the Northern Catalpa, exudes hardiness, adaptability, and native beauty.

Southern Catalpa Tree is ideal for the hot and humid southern states. Growing to 30-50 feet in height at maturity, with a crown spreading 20-40 feet. Strong limbs and rot-resistant wood withstand wind and even snow throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 9. The wood even has a spicy scent and wood shavings have been used as potpourri!

Planting and Application:

A Southern Catalpa Trees when in flower are astounding! Covering themselves top to bottom in terminal blooms, each featuring ruffled white petals and tiny rows of crimson dots and yellow throats. If you've seen it in bloom, you already love it, and so do hummingbirds and pollinators throughout late spring.

But it's those big light green leaves - nearly 12 inches across - that draw the eye during the summer landscape, casting cooling shade and standing out among the darker foliage of evergreens and other trees like a big beacon. One of the showiest native trees, the Southern Catalpa can be found along streams, creeks, and rivers throughout the southeastern US.

Even on medium-sized lots, Catalpa is a great choice to include in large Rain Gardens. Create one in a low area to collect runoff and filter rainwater, while preventing erosion. They can be used anywhere in the design, including the Wet, Mesic, or Transition Zones. Alternately, they are just as at home in a drier prairie setting!

As a member of the Bignonia Family, it is related to the Trumpet Vine, Royal Paulownia, and other species of Catalpa, all of which are known for their showy flowers. They are also notable for their fast rate of growth. This fast-growth tree makes the Catalpa of all varieties a favorite for use as a street tree. City planners use Catalpa to increase species diversity and protect the Elms and Ashes that grace our city streets. And as a large, ornamental shade tree, the Catalpa is no slouch!

• Large Light Green Foliage
• Terminal Clusters of White Orchid-Like Flowers
• Pollinator & Hummingbird Friendly
• Fast-Growing Large Scale Trees
• Unique Bean-Like Pods Dangle From All Branches
• Ideal For Shade, Street Trees, Wetland Outskirts & Lawn Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The mighty Southern Catalpa grows best in full sun, but they'll handle a bit of shade, especially when they are young. However, these fast growers won't be small for long and soon take their place in the sun! The large size can sometimes outgrow a site quickly if not situated properly. Plant them where they can grow and develop naturally, so you will not have to restrict the plant. Site it correctly, and you'll love it forever!

Provide regular water for best growth and less stress their first year or so in the ground. However, Catalpa are very adaptable once their roots are established in well-drained soil, even taking on some drought tolerance, and thrive in clay soils, while maintaining their ability to handle occasional flooding and higher moisture (not wet and soggy) areas.

Summer pruning can be done when removing any crossing branches, winter dieback, or broken stems. Catalpas do like to produce more than one leader when young, so watch for competing main stem leaders and simply prune them back to the main trunk before they get too large to trim.

• Full Sun Deciduous Tree
• Highly Adaptable - Any Well-Drained Soil
• Tolerates Moderate to Higher Moisture
• Heat & Humidity Tolerant Southern US Native
• Prune Summer To Remove Crossing Branches & Competing Leaders

The magnificent Southern Catalpa Tree will quickly become your landscape's specimen tree or shade your suburban boulevard! Enjoy all the flowers, curious 'beans', and lush shade that only a fast-growing and easy-care Catalpa can provide! Order now at NatureHills.com!