Southern catalpa is a short trunked tree with a rounded to irregular form that can reach 30 to 40 feet in height. Attractive, large panicles of white bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple spots bloom in early summer and are long-lasting. Falling flowers and fruit can be messy. Native to floodplains, southern catalpa is very adaptable and tolerant of adverse conditions.
- 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 North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 30-40 feet
- Mature width 30-40 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, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Wet sites
- Season of interest mid spring, late spring
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Irregular
- Growth rate Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries, Messy fruit/plant parts, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes
