Content Detail

Hybrid catalpa is the result of a cross between the Chinese catalpa and the native southern catalpa. Like other catalpas, this tree has showy white flowers in spring, followed by bean-like seed pods. This hybrid may be difficult to find in nurseries. When it is sold, it is often the cultivar ‘Purpurea’ that is available.

  • Family (English) Bignonia
  • Family (botanic) Bignoniaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 40-50 feet
  • Mature width 40-50 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Tolerant
  • Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Road salt
  • Season of interest late spring
  • Flower color and fragrance White
  • Shape or form Broad, Round
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries, Messy fruit/plant parts
  • Wildlife Insect pollinators
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat  

This tree is of hybrid origin.

Bark Description

The bark is brownish with thick ridges.

Leaf Description

The large leaves, up to 12 inches long, are either paired in an opposite arrangement or in a whorled stem attachment. The leaves are heart-shaped or sometimes three-lobed, with an entire margin. The fall color is yellow.

Flower Description

The flower is a large, upright cluster of white bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple spots. It flowers in early summer.

Fruit Description

The long, bean-pod shaped seed pods persist into winter.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

The flowers are beautiful and long-lasting on the hybrid catalpa. The wood can become brittle making it prone to wind damage. The pods create litter in the fall.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances  

Hybrid catalpa may have a number of problems, including twig blight, verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew.

Cultivars

Purple catalpa (Catalpa x erubescens ‘Purpurea’)

This is a purple-leaved variety. The leaves are a very dark purple as they emerge in spring and change to dark green in summer.

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