Photo of Catalpa speciosa flower by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

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

Gardening facts about Catalpa speciosa plant

How to Grow Catalpa speciosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Special Situation

    • pollution tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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