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    • Photo of Catalpa speciosa flower by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

    Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

    This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

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    Catalpa speciosa

    Also Known As

    • Northern Catalpa

    Plant type

    tree

    size

    • H: 30'-70'
    • W: 20'-50'

    planting zones

    • 4b-9a

    More Options

    Catalpa speciosa plant details

    Catalpa speciosa is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average, clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Catalpa speciosa

    Plant type: tree
    Plant family: bignoniaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 20 FT - 50 FT - wide, 30 FT - 70 FT - tall
    Flowers: white blooms in spring
    Uses: big flowers, heart-shaped leaves, shade tree

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Catalpa speciosa

    USDA Zones: 4b - 9a
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: regular
    Resistant to: deer, pollution
    Soil needs: average, clay and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    A large tree in all ways (leaves, flowers and height-to 90'), the Catalpa is outstanding when 6" spikes of white flowers bloom in early summer. S/M-D

    By: Forestfarm

    Beautiful heart-shaped leaves, upright form, and June white flowers with yellow and purple throats characterize this tree. While most of the Bignoniaceae lives in the tropics, this one is fully hardy to at least -20 °F. The fruit are long "string beans" and stay on the trees over winter.

    By: Heritage Seedlings

    Large heart shaped leaves, large white flowers June, pods in fall. Hardy zones 5-9. Coppice to keep smaller.

    By: Lael's Moon Garden

    Gardening facts about Catalpa speciosa plant

    How to Grow Catalpa speciosa

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • regular

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • average
      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • pollution tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    See other plant types of Catalpa for your garden

    Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'

    aka Indian Bean Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree

    Zones

    5a-10b

    Size

    Height: 25'-30'

    Width: 25'-30'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' foliage by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

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    Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea'

    aka Catalpa erubescens 'Purpurea', Indian Bean Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree

    Zones

    5a-10b

    Size

    Height: 30'-50'

    Width: 20'-40'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • regular
    Photo of Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea' foliage, form by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

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    Catalpa bignonoides 'Variegata'

    aka Variegated Bean Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree

    Zones

    5a-10b

    Size

    Height: 20'-25'

    Width: 20'-25'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    Photo of Catalpa bignonoides 'Variegata' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
    View Plant

    Catalpa bungei

    aka Dwarf Indian Bean Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree

    Zones

    5a-10b

    Size

    Height: 20'-30'

    Width: 25'

    • sun
    • regular - low
    Photo of Catalpa bungei foliage by Forestfarm
    View Plant

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    Catalpa ovata

    aka Chinese Catalpa, Chinese Yellow Catalpa, Japanese Catalpa, Yellow Catalpa

    Plant Type

    Tree, Perennial

    Zones

    5a-9b

    Size

    Height: 20'-30'

    Width: 20'-30'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Catalpa ovata foliage by Fanghong
    View Plant

    More Options

    +3 more Catalpa
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