Photo of Catalpa bignonioides foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Photo by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Catalpa bignonioides

Also Known As

  • Catawba
  • Fish-Bait Tree
  • Indian Bean Tree
  • Southern Catalpa

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-45'
  • W: 15'-25'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

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Catalpa bignonioides plant details

Catalpa bignonioides is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Catalpa bignonioides

Plant type: tree
Plant family: bignoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 25 FT - wide, 30 FT - 45 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, fragrant, heart-shaped leaves, shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Catalpa bignonioides

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Also called the cigar tree for its interesting brown seed pods, Southern catalpa is a broad 45' deciduous tree with a rounded-crown. It is native to a somewhat small area of the southeastern United States and is usually found growing moist soils along streams and river banks. Its very large, broad, heart-shaped leaves are bright-green above and lightly-fuzzy below. Fragrant, bright-white flowers with purple and yellow inner markings bloom in late spring on upright panicles. This is a very pretty tree for shade and it is wonderful when used in rain gardens. S/M-W

Gardening facts about Catalpa bignonioides plant

How to Grow Catalpa bignonioides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
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