Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Bignoniaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Flowering Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (no specific cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9
About This Tree
A medium-to-large tree characterized by an irregular, spreading crown, coarse twigs, and exceptionally large, heart-shaped leaves. Known for rapid growth when young and striking floral displays.
Leaf Characteristics
Very large heart-shaped (cordate) simple leaves, typically 6 to 12 inches long, arranged in whorls of three or opposite, smooth margins, bright green turning yellow-green in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark with shallow fissures and scaly ridged plates that develop a slightly twisted pattern as the trunk matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, widely naturalized across North America
Growing Season
Spring leafing out, produces showy white orchid-like flowers in late spring to early summer, long bean-like seed pods persist through winter, enters dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade, adaptable to moderate moisture levels but exhibits good drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 40 to 70 feet with an equal spread, moderate to fast growth rate, typical lifespan of 60 to 100 years
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its distinctive showy flowers and long seed pods; wood is lightweight yet rot-resistant and historically used for fence posts; famous for hosting the catalpa sphinx moth larvae (catalpa worms)
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports specialized pollinators, provides nectar for bees and hummingbirds, and the foliage serves as the primary food source for catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars which are prized by fishermen as bait