here is a family that contains
more than 700 species scattered
around the world. Habitat that
is most comforting is the tropical and sub-tropical regions. The family
name is Bignonia (Bignoniaceae). The
catalpa tree is a member and has quite a
history to share in north America. There
are two species of the catalpa tree in
north America and both natives. Catalpa
can be recognized by its large heartshaped, sharp pointed leaves, white or
yellow showy flowers, and long fruits
which resemble a slender bean pod.
Catalpa speciosa (northern Catalpa)
grows into a loose oval shape, 50 feet tall
in most urban locations, but occasionally grows to 90 feet under optimum conditions. The large-leaved tree spreads 50
feet and tolerates hot, dry weather, but
leaves may scorch and some drop from
the tree in very dry summers. The leaves
of speciosa are opposite.
Catalpa
bignonioides
(Southern
Catalpa), is smaller; reaching only 30 to
40 feet tall, leaves are arranged opposite
or in whorls and a southern uS native.
A sunny exposure and a well-drained,
moist, rich soil is preferred for best
growth of Catalpa but the tree will tolerate a range of soils from acid to calcareous. it has been known to be called
Catawba, indian Bean Tree, Caterpillar
Tree, and Fish Bait Tree!
Both north and South natives, have a
course, very open growth habit forming
an irregularly shaped crown. Catalpa
has moderately long life (60 years or so),
but trunks on large trees often contain
rot. Catalpa trees are very adaptable and
they are tough trees, having naturalized
in many parts of the south.
Southern Catalpa
The Fish
Bait Tree
By Steve nix, Forestry expert for about.com at Forestry about.com
The catalpa fruit is a long pod growing
up to two feet long! The fruit is similar to
a string bean. The old pods will eventually drop. Certainly the pods add ornamental flavor to the specimen.
Catalpa are often used as a land reclamation plant because it successfully grows
where air pollution, poor drainage, compacter soil, and/or drought can become
a problem for other species. it produces
lots of shade and is a fast grower.
The largest living catalpa tree is on
the lawn of the michigan State Capitol,
which was planted at the time the
Capitol was dedicated in 1873. The oldest known living catalpa tree is actually