Northern Catalpa - Catalpa speciosa
(Bignoniaceae)

Northern Catalpa is a deciduous tree growing to 40-60 feet in height. Branching is typically open and irregular developing an oval crown in older specimens. Reddish brown branches bear large lime-green, heart-shaped leaves in groups of two or commonly three. Large, white flowers are borne in upright clusters from the branch tips in late spring creating a striking floral effect. Pollinated flowers produce long, vanilla bean like pods in early autumn. The bark is grayish brown and develops ridges and furrows with age. The craggy branching pattern, weeping beans, and gnarled bark combine to impart an ‘old crone’ appearance to the trees in winter.

Catalpa is a great specimen plant for larger landscapes. Highly adaptable, it takes well to most soil conditions and is easily transplanted as a young tree. Catalpa is commonly found as a naturalized plant in urban areas, seen growing equally well along rivers as in abandoned lots and hedgerows. Catalpa was once used as an ornamental street tree, but due to its brittle wood and leaf/twig litter it has fallen out of favor by most communities. Catalpa trees are hard to find in nurseries and most seen today are a result of naturalized seedlings left to mature.

Northern Catalpa is native to riparian areas in four states in the Midwestern United States: Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas. This species has naturalized in much of the eastern United States.

Northern Catalpa - Catalpa speciosa
(Bignoniaceae)

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Northern Catalpa - Catalpa speciosa (Bignoniaceae)

Native Plant Spotlight

Northern Catalpa - Catalpa speciosa
(Bignoniaceae)