Catalpa is a Midwest native tree that grows 40 to 60 feet tall, with a narrow, open, irregularly rounded crown and spreading branches. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and large clusters of fragrant, white flowers. The long, interesting seed pods persist through the winter. Northern catalpa is very adaptable to adverse conditions, but has weak wood and branch structure.
- 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 Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-60 feet
- Mature width 20-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest late spring, early summer
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Irregular, Narrow, Oval, Upright
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Messy fruit/plant parts, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes
