Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Catalpa ovata

Also Known As

Chinese Catalpa
Chinese Yellow Catalpa
Japanese Catalpa
Yellow Catalpa

Plant type

tree, perennial

size

H: 20'-30'
W: 20'-30'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Catalpa ovata plant details

Catalpa ovata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial tree with green foliage. In summer cream and yellow flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Catalpa ovata

Plant type: perennial tree
Plant family: bignoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: heart-shaped leaves, street tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Catalpa ovata

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Conspicuously lobed and downy leaves and frilly, somewhat smaller (but still showy), creamy-yellow, brown-spotted flowers in pyramidal clusters which are produced in late summer differentiate the Chinese Catalpa; 20-40'. S/M

By: Forestfarm

A Chinese species known as yellow catalpa, the flowers are best viewed through yellow sunglasses. Seed pods are very skinny; these are from an old plant in Nichols Arboretum.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

One of the smaller Catalpas forming small tree of great visual substance due to its large leaves. The 1" creamy yellow foxglove-like flowers are held in 5"-10" vertical racemes in Jul-Aug and are followed by cool foot-long bean pods. Fast growing.