Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Bignoniaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Flowering Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9
About This Tree
A medium to large tree with a spreading, irregular crown, crooked branches, and very large heart-shaped leaves, notable for producing long bean-like seed pods
Leaf Characteristics
Very large heart-shaped (cordate) simple leaves, often 6 to 12 inches long, opposite or whorled arrangement, smooth margins, bright green above and slightly pubescent below
Bark Characteristics
Gray to brown bark, becoming thick, ridged, and shallowly furrowed with scaly plates as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, well-adapted throughout much of the eastern and central US
Growing Season
Late to leaf out in spring, blooms in late spring to early summer, drops leaves in autumn after a yellow color change
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various soils, moderate water needs once established with decent drought tolerance
Mature Size
Reaches 40 to 70 feet in height with a similar spread, fast growth rate, typical lifespan of up to 60 years or more
Special Characteristics
Extremely fast growth, tolerates poor soil and urban pollution, produces showy orchid-like white flowers and long distinctive seed pods
Wildlife & Ecology
Serves as the exclusive larval host plant for the Catalpa Sphinx Moth, flowers provide nectar for bees and hummingbirds